Clay Vessels

 

It was around this time last year that there was a revolutionary and remarkable discovery that vanilla was scientifically proven to be the world’s favorite scent.  I pictured scientists in white lab coats with scratch and sniff stickers of my youth debating with each other.  I was also pretty disappointed that pumpkin-spice wasn’t number one, I was really pulling for it to win.  Actually,  the group of scientists gathered 225 diverse individuals from city dwellers to fishing community to hunter-gatherer tribes.  Imagine men and women from varied economic, racial, marital status from United States to Mexico to Thailand together taking whiffs of ten different vials.  Then, each would rate and rank from, “most pleasing” to “oh my word what died in there!”  Vanilla came out number one.  Ethyl butyrate came in second.  I know, I was sad too because I thought it had a real chance of being number 1.  By the way, ethyl butyrate apparently is a fruity, pineapple-like odor.  Look at how much you learn in these morning meditations!  And taking the bronze, third place, was what we usually call lavender.  Who knew a science lesson would break out when you started reading this?  I know inquiring minds want to know, what came in last place as the worst smell in this experiment?  I am glad to answer that, so you don’t have to Google it.  Isovaleric acid.  Some of you are like, I knew it!!  Isovaleric acid is an odor commonly associated with certain kinds of cheese, soy milk, and sweaty feet.  I am certain that this the first time the words “sweaty feet” were part of my morning meditations.  Not sure that is a good thing.

Paul says to the church in Corinth that we have “these treasures in clay vessels”.  It is such a wonderful image.  That of value resides in that which is vulnerable; the sacred find space in that which is finite.  This is a paradox and contradiction.  Usually, we hide treasures away in safes and vaults with twenty-four-hour security.  We want to protect and preserve that which we see as having worth. But God, who comes in the form an infant born in a barn, is willing to turn such human wisdom on its head. God says there is strength in weakness and holiness in the ordinariness of life. 

A treasure in a clay vessel ~ what does that phrase bring to your mind?

What treasures are in your life right now as we start the month of July?  Go ahead and make a list.  I encourage you to make use of your five senses, heart, soul, thoughts, and relationships.  Name foods that are tasting heaven while still on earth (maybe even foods that remind you of the 4^th of July like juicy watermelon, homemade ice cream, and hot dogs).  Write down smells, even if you disagree with vanilla being number one.  Write down treasured experiences so far this year or people who warm your heart, and moments of goodness and God-with-you-ness that are treasures in the clay vessel of your life.  We will continue to work with this image throughout the week.   I would love to hear and see some of your lists!  Thank you, dear reader of these morning mediations, your words and thoughts and sharing this time with me each morning remains a treasure in my life and a reminder of God’s goodness in these days.

Prayer: God, You remind us of the holiness of all things.  Help us name and notice ways You inspire and infuse our lives with Your love through moments that bring a smile to our faces.  Let our life-giving lists continue to be added to throughout the days to come.  In the name of the One who was open to You his whole life, Jesus the Christ.  Amen.