Song of Songs 1:2

Song of Songs 1:2

'Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth -
for sex is more delightful than wine'

sorry, I misquoted*

'Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth -
for YOUR sex is more delightful than wine'

oops, sorry; I misquoted again*

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth -
for YOUR LOVE is more delightful than wine

The book of the Songs of Solomon. A love letter in the bible between lover and beloved opens this way. I felt led to read it today, and was struck by the words 'your love'. I was struck that instead of talking about the physical pleasure of relationships, following a physical expression (the kiss), it talks about a holistic delight of 'love'. Furthermore, as well as their relationship being characterised by love, it is uniquely personal to that person: Your love (for she is like a lilly amongst thorns [2:1]; and he is like an apple tree in a forest [2:3]). Even this small verse opening the book highlights the delights and fulfillment that a committed, exclusive, holistic relationship between two people brings.

May we delve to the depths of love as we walk through our days experiencing full commitment to people rather than superficial relationships based on individual pleasure. Love is outward in its orientation, rather than inwards. Love gives rather than receiving, and in so doing incidentally gains.

I think I'll keep reading this small book of 8 chapters. For a book in the bible which does not seem to be elsewhere quoted, nor does it mention God, it is pretty amazing.

God guide
xSx

Update:

Since starting this blog I became a Counsellor. You can read more on blog on subjects like Therapy at:

 www.simonslistening.co.uk 

Goodness is Sickness

I've had food poisoning last month. Everything I ate or drank I brought up, and I lay in bed for 30 hours with the most erratic body temperature (either too hot or cold) and a nasty headache. This was the first time I remember being ill in the last five years and I wanted to take a number of lessons from it:

1. Thankfulness: I went to sleep around 12 with a headache and woke at 2.30. When I opened my eyes they no longer hurt, and I remember looking out the window at this beautiful sunny day seeing all the buds on the trees and hearing the animals making their noises. I had never been more grateful to be well as today. I drank some juice after and it stayed down, and I just now had a slice of toast after more than a day of nothing. I remember praying a prayer of thanksgiving before eating it, and though toast and peanut butter is bland, it tastes wonderful and my whole body rejoiced to be able to eat it. I guess I had never truly been that thankful for health, even when visiting those who are suffering like nan recently, but now the pain has stopped I am honestly contented with being well.

2. I have done absolutely nothing, I missed work, and had to swop duties with a friend at church who graciously filled in this week (thank you so much for that and all the support you have given whilst I've been friend. Learning to be cared for is another lesson, and you have been so kind). I have mostly just been laying down and sleeping. Now, I am someone who can often find identity in what I do and not in who I am; and doing nothing has been a good reminder that life does not depend just on what I do. 

3. I do not know why, but after being ill I no longer felt condemned. I knew from Romans 8:1 and other scripture that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, but I really felt this truth in my heart after being ill, and freedom from guilt and shame is freedom indeed

God guide
S

Update:

Since starting this blog I became a Counsellor. You can read more on blog on subjects like Therapy at:

 www.simonslistening.co.uk