The Scents of Sabbath

I don't usually blog on a Sabbath, but tonight was special and I simply had to write it down to share. I walked in the door this evening from doing chores to a bouquet of enticing aromas that all signal only one thing; Shabbat on the homestead.

I'd checked my newest mama goat tonight, as her udder was immense and sometimes they become so engorged the babies only go for the easy access until the more difficult side is nearly impossible, and obviously painful for the mama. So in checking her, I ended up with a bit of fresh warm milk on my coat sleeve. I had to snuggle the new kids too, and baby goats just have a special smell to them, which was still lingering on my hands and cheek as I walked to the house, and opened the door. Upon entering the house, the fragrance of fresh baked bread met me, as did the pungent aroma of broccoli soup simmering on the stove.

Having my own companies making soap and natural remedies, I also enjoy creating fragrances. I've come up with a couple of things that are purely for aromatic enjoyment on Shabbat. I hope YHWH finds it pleasing. Still lingering from Preparation day cleaning was the fragrance of my household pine cleaner with just a hint of ammonia from this week's window washing. Friday evenings before I go out to do chores, I always light an oil diffuser with a special blend of frankincense, myrrh, and a couple of special essential oils. It's not a teaching or anything, but it is nice for even the house to smell differently on Shabbat. The aroma just establishes the atmosphere to make it both inviting, and set apart.

As I hung up my coat in the laundry room, the scent of hay wafted before my face, and I knew I had to capture this moment with words. Everything just smelled so good and the fragrances were all so reflective of life!

I'm truly grateful for the life YHWH has planned for me to live, and I love the fact our Creator created us so wonderfully that our memories are literally linked with our sense of smell.