I saw a picture of a beautiful field covered with lavender plants, boasting their bright bluish-purple blossoms in the sunlight. Besides its lovely appearance, lavender is also a fragrant herb. I enjoy growing it in my flower garden. When warm breezes blow, the sweet fragrance is carried in the air. When dried and crushed, lavender emits a calming aroma used in essential oils, lotions, soaps and other soothing products.

I can’t help but ponder how lavender relates to our lives. There are seasons in life when we’re flourishing and blooming as we walk out our daily journeys. Everything seems to fall into place. It’s easy to smile and encourage others. Our steps are lighter. But then an unexpected circumstance happens, and we’re crushed to the core. Not only are we not blossoming anymore, we feel like we’re barely surviving.

But then God begins his methodical, miraculous work of healing and restoring our hearts. It usually doesn’t happen immediately or instantaneously. Instead, we heal slowly as he gently and compassionately mends the wound, all the while molding our character to become more like his.

If we allow him, he then uses us to comfort others. Much in the same way that lavender emits a calming fragrance, our lives now have the ability to calmly console hurting hearts. Our words are a soothing balm for their souls, our quiet presence is reassuring, and we are vessels of God’s comfort bringing peace to the chaos. Just as the field of lavender becomes even more fragrant when crushed, God, in his perfect timing, makes a fragrant offering out of a crushed heart and spirit as well.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

—Psalm 34:18 NLT