“My beloved speaks and says to me: ‘Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.’” - Song of Solomon 2:10-15
Lord,
When I am tempted to put other things ahead of seeking you, help me to remember that you are not an obligation to fulfill or an item to check off of my to-do list.
Remind me that you are the one who knit me together in my mothers womb, who sees every tiny thing that I do, and still calls me your beloved. Help me be reminded that you want to spend time with me.
You even love my unique personality traits and quirks. Beckon me today to a deeper, more authentic relationship with you!
Knowing that I am dearly loved and accepted by the one who sits enthroned in the heavens changes me foundationally. Your love helps me to see myself that way you see me. And, in turn, helps me to love my neighbors, and even my enemies, too.
Unveil my eyes to see your face and my ears to hear you calling to me today, God. Help me to find joy in taking time out of my day just to be with you.
As I go about the rest of my day, help me to identify what this passage calls the “little foxes,” or what we might call “bad habits,” that spoil my relationship with you. Your habits are beautiful, would you help me to form habits like yours?
Help me to enjoy time with you while becoming more like you! Thanks for loving me so well.
Amen
