What Does Living on Mission Smell Like?

by · April 1, 2026

Before you read the following post, take note that the original publication date was April 1. That’s April Fools’ Day, for the pranksters among us. Carry on.

For almost two decades, we’ve closed every worship service at our church with three simple words:

You are sent.

It’s a reminder that each of us are to live “sent” lives. In our schools, in the marketplace, in the neighborhood, across the street or around the globe, our mandate is to live a life on mission.

We’ve come to recognize, however, a flaw in our You are sent tagline: while it’s fine for auditory learners, those with other sensory-based modalities can feel left out. So, much like global missions, more must be done. Other learning styles have to be incorporated. Research has shown that after visual and auditory, our olfactory senses dial in the most memory and link us back to specific contexts and learning opportunities.

In other words, the nose knows. And that’s why I’m pleased to announce

The You Are Scent candle line

That’s right: our aromas will send you to Roma: the Roman Road, that is. The Great Commission starts with great emissions: carefully-crafted scents designed for every mission field:

  • Cozy Cubicle™: a slow-burning blend of printer toner and the off-gassing of fabric panel separators, with top notes of Ronda from accounting’s poured-on perfume and a lingering finish of Steve’s reheated shrimp scampi.

  • Go Forth to the Gym™: reminds you of your missional calling and the need for personal fitness. A full-bodied blast of locker room mustiness, anchored by a glistening base of whoever forgot to wipe down the benches.

  • Nurturing Neighborhood™: every time you light the wick, you’ll spark your commitment to light your cul-de-sac with the gospel. Cooling wafts of freshly-mown grass are interrupted by the pungent notes of Carol’s pooping chihuahua and Ron’s drooping Bradford Pear, both of which are encroaching on your property line. Again.

  • Hallelujah Hallways™: just because you’re a minor, it doesn’t mean your calling has to be. The sharp sting of being shoved into a locker by your 6th grade bully is swirled – no, swirlied – with the cool splash of toilet water. (Note: Halleljuah Hallways™ replaces our recalled Six-Seven Window™ middle school candle, due to diminishing fad reasons.)

  • Give Thanks™: the cornerstone of our fall line will transport you to the family dinner table, where the warm vapor of Grandma’s oyster stuffing is heightened by Uncle Robert’s political discourse, offering a finishing depth of bitter tears and slammed doors.

  • Target® Demographic™: designed especially for stay-at-home moms, our breakout best seller has a messy bun base layered with a whisper of dry shampoo and the faint but hopeful aroma of an invitation to a Jen Wilkin study straight from the Dollar Spot.

While our current You Are Scent products include these six standards, we’ll soon be expanding into other mission fields such as Tee Ball Parent™, Cramped Business Class™, Grocery Checkout Line (trademark pending), and so many more. Plus, don’t miss our Acronym™ Line: portable mini scents that go with you…as you are going: One Way HOA™, Me, Thee, and DMV™, and Just Pray PTA™ are a few of the many minis coming soon. And finally, you don’t want to miss our Reformers™ Line, debuting with Serenity by Jan Hus™.

You won’t whiff on evangelism once you get a whiff of You Are Scent: order yours today!

If you’re up for more foolishness, here’s a look at April Fools Days of yore…

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