BradTaylor

“I Smell Cookies”

Occasionally, after Kari and I put the boys to bed and all is quiet in our home, we’ll preheat the oven to 375 degrees and enjoy one of our favorite treats, chocolate chip cookies. In fact, we like chocolate chip cookies so much that we had those for dessert at our wedding instead of wedding cake.

A couple weeks ago, having just removed our cookies from the oven in all their piping hot yumminess, Keaton called to us from the boys’ room. “Mommy!” Kari went in to see what was up, and Keaton quietly said, “I smell cookies.” (He actually said “I fmell cookies,” because he has a little trouble with S’s at the beginning of words, but I digress.)

We laughed and gave him a kiss and got him back to bed, but it made me reflect for a moment: When all is dark and quiet, and one’s sense of smell is heightened, what is the fragrance in our home? Of course Braden and Keaton can smell the delicious aroma of chocolate chip cookies, but what aroma does my attitude bring? Can they “smell” when I’m angry or impatient with them? Do they notice a stench when I’m short with Kari, frustrated with myself, or grouchy in general? Is the general fragrance around our house one that would please Christ, or one that would make him pinch his nose?

What does your house smell like?