We didn’t have to see the dead skunk on the side of the road to know it was there. The stench remained with us even after we’d passed by.
Another day we were walking along a sidewalk in an unfamiliar town when the mouth watering aroma of freshly baked bread drew us closer. Before we knew it our noses led us right to the bakery. Of course we had to go in and discover for ourselves if the taste was as good as the smell. It was!
These are two extreme examples, it I’m sure you get the message. Smells matter. Some, like the skunk make me want to get as far away as possible. Others, like fresh baking invite me closer.
This reminds me that I need to be aware that my attitude and the words I speak also have a distinctive smell.
When I display love and understanding, my life has a pleasing aroma to others. If, on the other hand, I exhibit anger, resentment, complaining and gossip, my stinky attitude will cause people to stay as far away from me as possible.
Even when faced with life’s challenges, I need to be aware of this and stop to ask myself, “How do I smell today.”