I’m sure they thought the masses would flock to the stores to buy such an aromatic, fresh and lovely scent. Alaskans, however, had a field day making fun of it because Alaska does not smell good in the spring. 

Otherwise known as Breakup, springtime is when all the snow melts. Everything is dirty, slushy, stinky and gross. To be blunt, if you have a dog, spring is when all the piles of poop are exposed in your yard that have gone untouched all winter long. Soggy, mushy dog poop does not smell good. I can personally testify to this fact. (I also think that my dog can out poop any dog on the planet judging from the sheer volume that was deposited in our yard this past winter, but that’s another story.) Cars are covered in muddy spray constantly and car wash businesses have lines longer than fast food drive thrus. And when it’s warm in the daytime but still falling below freezing at night, driving can be interesting, if not treacherous, with all the ice that reforms overnight. It’s not a fun time of year, and yet, Alaskans look forward to it with great anticipation. Why? Because of the promise that summer is almost here and winter is over. We have hope.

Summer, glorious summer, is when everything turns green. The flowers are gorgeous. The fish come back and the sun stays out all night. The smell of summer is what I imagine heaven smells like, sweet with warm pine needles, the most wonderful smell ever. Everyone is happy, campgrounds are full and bonfires produce hot dogs and s’mores with just the right amount of blackened goodness. Summer is the whole reason we live here.

I think life has seasons too, some much better than others. The times vary, as do the stresses and challenges of each season, but the Lord has given us precious promises to give us hope. We can withstand the long, dark winters and the messy springs because we have hope for a better tomorrow. This earth is temporary. Eternity lasts forever. If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you have hope of the joy and utter satisfaction of living in perfect harmony forever. We will be with Jesus and nothing can be better than that.

Life lately has been super hard and uncertain for most of us. Things seem out of control, scary and unpredictable. But, dear friend, hang on because summer is almost here. Cling to the promises and dream of all the good things that are coming, because God is faithful and not one of all His good promises has failed.

Hugs and prayers for all,

Judy