I shared some reflections a few weeks ago. Although I've been a Bible learner and disciple of Christ for many years, I do not yet have this walk figured out. It's filled with missteps and mistakes, and even when I re-read some of my prior posts, I can see how I could have represented the truth more fully and adequately. It is humbling to know that God still brings truth even in our tiny bit of understanding.
Today, we start a Bible study I've refused to write for months. It is a chapter out of my dark soul and a testament to the bright communion God showed me over a long, swarthy night. I know I need to sit still and get some of the messy, messy work God has graciously done down on paper. I dread it and welcome it all in one.
While Song of Songs has no apparent religious content, it has significant spiritual meaning. Think of the Song of Songs as a playlist on Spotify that tells the melodic story of a couple's dating life, engagement, wedding, and marriage. It has undertones and crescendos, like all love songs that move you.
“Let us specially beware of one great mistake. Many Christians think their own salvation is the first thing; their temporal life and prosperity, with the care of their family, the second; and what of time and interest is left may be devoted to fruit-bearing, to the saving of men. No wonder that in most cases very little time or interest can be found. No, Christian, the one object with which you have been made a member of Christ's Body is that …”
Before we jump into the next book, I think we need to breathe. Often I can knock something off my list and then rush onto the next without even pausing. I’m working on this. By nature, I’m fast-paced, ambitious, and love significant challenges. I’m learning to sit. I’m learning to be still. And, I’m inviting you to do the same.
When we strip away our titles—whether that’s wife, mama, teacher, leader, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker…we each need a deep and intimate belonging relationship with our Lord and Savior. It doesn’t matter who you dance alongside in this world, you’re dancing with someone who is either eternally connected to you through Jesus or not. As grey as we want to make life, Jesus makes it simple with His words in Matthew 12:30: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
Last year, I wrote an open letter to my four boys on being men. This year, I write to a special young woman who’s been a divine interruption in the life of our family—especially those four boys I mentioned. You know who you are. And, while you are infinitely inimitable and beloved, there are other women who will understand or need to hear this unsolicited wisdom [my opinions are also free of charge] I’m going to speak into your life on International Women’s Day.
