At the entrance of the club there is a computerized check-in which records my visit and sometimes reminds me that I need to get weighed and measured. On other occasions there are generic messages for all club members such as the one that has recently been posted saying: “This is a Perfume-Free Zone.”
During the last few days I have found myself turning that phrase over and over again in my mind, in light of a recent occurrence linked with the club.
Near the beginning of May I heard the familiar ping on my computer announcing the fact that I had received a new email. Imagine my surprise and dismay to open it up and read that one of the club coaches had died in her sleep.
I knew she had been ill for a very long time, and I had been praying regularly for her health issues. But she was still working some shifts at the club, and was always so bright and cheerful that the news came as a complete shock. One special link I had with her had been established when she discovered my links with the Salvation Army. She was glad to tell me that one of our Thrift Stores had given her furniture when, some years ago, she and her young baby had to set up home in a hurry, and how she returned all the furniture once she was on her feet again, so that others in her position could also benefit from it.
She never spoke about faith per se, but the club was always brightened by her presence, and the positive, generous attitude that she had to life was a reflection of the generosity of God, and for the first few days after the news broke there was an air of sadness at the club, for she was so dearly loved by so many of the women.
In my opinion, the club has become a “perfume free zone” in more ways than one now that she is no longer there. Dictionary definitions of perfume include reference to the fact that it is “a pleasant, sweet odour, with a pervasive quality.” And dictionary definitions of pervade include; “to spread throughout subtly or gradually.” And that was definitely so for when that particular coach was present, she did exude a sweet influence like perfume.
My reflections have proved personally challenging as I recall the Living Bible paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 2:14-15: “Thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume. As far as God is concerned there is a sweet wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and unsaved all around us.”
I am so glad that, soon after the email came, having paused for prayer, I did type what I hoped might be a comforting reply to the club manager and staff. And I was really touched when one of the coaches told me she had printed it off and put it in the log book kept by the staff. Hopefully it will continue to exude a subtle fragrance of hope for them, each time they read it.
I can never replace the exuberance of the coach who has died. She will be sorely missed for a very long time to come, but it is my deep prayer that each time I go the club it will cease to be a “perfume free zone” during the time that I am there.

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