I love this time of year. Autumn brings in a cornucopia of colors, enticing scents of pumpkin spice and apples, and the anticipation of good things to come. Even the weather has an air of serenity about it. But mostly, I love the Autumn scents. I wandered by a candle shop the other day where they were having a sale – two candles for the price of one. I left with an armful of candles, carrying such delightful names as Gourmet Espresso and Warm Caramel Cider.
I’ve heard that the sense of smell is the strongest of our five senses. Just imagine… fresh-baked bread, the smell of coffee brewing in the morning, and warm scones delivered right out of the oven. Maybe that is why I never see unhappy people in a bakery. This thought occurred to me one evening while I was dining out in a nice restaurant. The lighting was soothing, the food excellent, but I was stressed. Work had been extra stressful that year. As I sat there wallowing in my own thoughts, I had a good view of the bakery in the corner of the restaurant. I began watching the baker as she carefully lifted the bowls of batter and poured them into the pans for baking. Then she formed beautiful creations of art as she spread the icing on the cakes. All the while, children and adults alike lined up at the glass counter to look at the cakes and pies she had created. It was almost magical, and definitely mesmerizing to watch. She did not hurry or rush the baking process.
I envied the baker a little, complete with her white coat and bakers hat. If I ever change careers, I decided, I would love to be a baker. But I think what appealed to me the most was the process of slowing down, and of crafting something beautiful with my own hands. It reminded me of God, our Creator. God created us in His own image, so we also have that same desire to create. God also rested. He is never rushed, and neither was Jesus during his short ministry on earth. I don’t think we are meant to be so rushed either.
I may never become a master baker, but the image of that bakery with its smells and happy creations and slower pace has stayed with me. I’ve learned to slow down. When I do, and put it all in God’s hands instead, it seems like God takes care of all the other busyness for me. Work becomes less, deadlines go away, and problems are solved quicker.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
When I think about this verse, I like to think it applies to our busy schedules as much as it does our finances. So during this Autumn and Thanksgiving season, I plan to do a lot of baking in my house. It makes me happy, fills the air with warm scents, and teaches me to slow down.
