Flowershop invitation.

Hello Again.

So I live about 7 blocks (or .7 miles) from work. Given the fact that there are limited funds coming into my bank account and the fact that 7 blocks really isn't all that far, I feel it would be simply silly and quite irresponsible to drive to work; therefore, I walk. It's a lovely thing - to start your morning off with fresh air, blood flow, and some quiet time. I find it lends itself to a great way to "prepare" for the day...Now, the walk home is a whole 'nother story; eh just kidding, the walk home serves as a stress reliever which that, too, is a very beautiful thing, sort of necessity, if you will.

Seeing as I've been here about a month and the fact that I often have additional training on Saturdays means that I have completed this walk numerous times. On this walk, I pass by a floral shop. It appears quite quaint and more than anything it radiates of enchantment. For whatever reason I have this overwhelming desire to step into the floral shop. The shop sticks out far above the other shops I pass. It could be because of it's location. It's closer than the other businesses that I pass (the Bi-Lo Grocery store, in particular, sets itself back a few hundred yards. And I must admit, I have found myself in the Bi-Lo oh too many times since my arrival to Charlotte, ha).

I walked past the floral shop the other day and once again found myself completely enchanted by this little shop. I wanted to step into it so badly. I feel invited by it....I'm not exactly sure why I haven't stepped in yet. Perhaps, I don't really have the time, nor make the time. Perhaps, it's because I don't have the money to buy flowers so I feel as if I don't belong in the store. I mean people don't typically really want to help you unless you're going to purchase something. So I suppose that would lend me more as a nuisance. The thing is though, I really want to go into this floral shop. I haven't made it in yet but I have this feeling if I did, I would meet the most wonderful people. I just have this feeling it would be so. And I bet the aroma is magnificent! (hmm, with a smile on my face I take a deep breath as I write this, just imagining the beautiful smells).

As I passed it this time round I thought, if my heart is awakened this much by such an adorable place, God must be in this. So I got to thinking.

This floral shop was enticing. It was something I wanted to explore, to know more about. What do I, as a Christian look like...Am I like this floral shop? Do people see me and feel compelled to know more, learn more, explore more? Does my life sing of adventure, life abundant, and enchantment?

I'm wondering if it's possible for Christians to look like this floral shop...are we immersed into communities...into loving people? Or are we set back, waiting for people to come to us? And when we do immerse ourselves are we filled with mystery, glory, and love? Does our living offer a sort of enticing appeal? Call it an invitation? Do people want to step in and see what we have to offer? And, even more, are we welcoming those who step in? Because I'm thinking that a lot of people feel the way I feel walking past the floral shop wondering; What do I have to offer? What if I just want to explore this Jesus, look around a bit, you know? Am I, I mean, are we, living a life aware of those around us, are we welcoming them into our lives, into our stories regardless of their relational "status" with Christ? Because if not, then something is not quite right, not quite right at all.

I haven't found a church to attend yet down here in Charlotte, though I've visited a few. The first week down here was a bit difficult. I felt like this God of mine was only recognized in West Michigan. I felt a bit lonely in my faith. I remember hearing one time about this lady who went to church over and over again, yet didn't necessarily consider herself a Christian. Upon the inquiry of as to why she kept attending she simply stated, "because I loved the smell." Apparently, there was a sweet smell in the building of the church.

I remember hearing this story and thinking, I want to smell Christ. I want to smell Him. Oh, how beautiful, I thought. My first visit to a church down here blessed me with the sweet fragrances of Christ and community. Though the church I visited will not be where I attend regularly, there was a scent, a familiar scent, different denomination than growing up, but same scent - and being far from home, I somehow felt home. I'm not sure if it was the "sense" of community, scents, get it? (ha, okay sorry) or simply Christ. Whatever it was, I smelled something there, something I smelled all growing up and something I must tend to smell when I am aware of Christ's presence. (oh as a disclaimer, there is the off chance that this smell of the church could be attributed to all the old men's cologne phew-eee! haha).

But just as I bet this floral shop would be sweet fragrances to my sense of smell, so too, should our living be that of sweet aromas pleasing to Christ and to those we encounter.

Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the best part. The name of this floral shop? The Blossom Shop. How great is that! Through Christ we blossom into something beautiful! Of course, how perfect!

Cheering you on as you immerse yourselves amongst the world, reflecting life of adventure and enchantment as you, through your daily living, release pleasing aromas to the Father.

May you find yourselves blossoming into something a bit more like Christ every day.

Kaylee