When a gift-giving occasion rolls around, there’s one present I always enjoying opening – perfume. Whether I’m dressed up or down, going somewhere or staying home, I spray on a little fragrance every day.

The sweet-smelling clear liquids that are sprayed out of beautiful glass bottles had quite humble beginnings. Much of the world’s supply of attar of roses, the oil that is used in many perfumes, comes from the Balkan Mountains. Because 40% of the fragrance of the roses disappears during the day, the best time to collect the roses is before sunrise, when it is still dark.

In addition to these fragrant roses, darkness often reveals other surprises. The brilliance of jewelry is seen best against a dark background, dark nights allow the stars to shine brightly, and it’s during the dark times that I’ve discovered many of life’s lessons.

In Isaiah 45:3, God told Cyrus, “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you many know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” I’ve often asked God to do that for me. If I find myself with an unwanted obstacle in my life or the pressure of a trial, I want God to reveal something of value that I can take from the situation. Sometimes I discover the treasure of a friend who stands with me. Other times I realize that I’ve learned a lesson that I may not have gotten any other way. And always, I’ve experienced the faithfulness of a Father Who would never leave me, even during the darkest times of my life. The darker the night, the brighter His Light.

 

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.