When I was seven, my parents moved out of the city and built a home in the country. What a blessing to discover the nearest neighbors had a boy and girl the same age as my brother and I. We had so many adventures! Fields, woods, a pond — it was endless the places we magically transformed by our imaginations. Those were the days we could play from dawn to dusk, and not have a care in the world.
Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn to me, my love, and be like a gazelle on the mountains. – Song 2:17
I remember a bird call we used to invite our friends to play. If they didn’t hear this high-pitched sound across the cornfield and respond with the same, we’d ride our bikes to their house and ask them directly.
“My dove in the clefts of the rock, let me see your face! Let me hear your voice!” Song 2:14
There is something about the innocent, carefree season of childhood that I think we all long to reconnect with. But it’s not easy. I saved a meme that read: “Children smile an average of 400 times a day; adults 15. Children laugh about 150 times a day; adults 6. Children play between 4 to 6 hours a day; adults maybe 20 minutes. What happened?¹”
When a spiritual father was on his death bed, I asked him what he would wish for me to do more of after he is gone. His response? “Play more.”
That was not the answer I expected! But the truth is, play (and its twin, “rest”) is what I find the hardest to do. Serving, working, and being “effective” (or trying to be) are all things that come more naturally for me.
As I’m being prepared for the next section of the Song, which begins with 1:15/16 and continues through Chapter 2 — I see how much of it takes place outdoors. And it’s playful! For our two lovers, the forest is turned into their bedroom. Rocks and caves become places to play hide and seek. And hills are simply springboards to leap back and forth to each other.
As it is, Love gives wings to work, and transforms the mundane into the marvelous. Whenever I find myself stressed by all the “to-do’s” on my list — it is always because I’ve allowed my love life with Jesus to get too dry and “adult-like.”
My prayer is that what is coming next in the Song of Songs rekindles all the spiritual playfulness, creativity, and “first love” works that God intends for us in His “Intimate Kingdom!”
Why do you not love Me now as you did at first?
Think about how far you have fallen!
I beseech you to turn around, and do the works of love you used to do.
– From Revelation 2:4,5.
P.S. On that note, here’s a delightful song (below) to bask in: John Denver’s “You Fill Up My Senses.”
¹ Richard Holden, Living Wonderfully
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Dear Pamela, how funny it is…my mother used to have me perform (sing) this song on stage when I was about eight years old. I had forgotten all about it! My mother used to have me perform songs like this much to my older siblings dismay as I had no idea what they were really about!
Love and hugs,
Steve
Author
Ha, I can’t imagine that’s an easy song to sing at eight. Or any age. :-) One good thing about being an adult, and being free in Christ to see Him everywhere, is that songs like this can become God singing a song to, and about us.
I hear many say how they yearn for their carefree childhood days,
but if we would really listen to and follow Christ we could be having
those carefree days now. How? Jesus says, “Cast your cares upon Me
and I will sustain you.” It really is that simple folks. Jesus offers the way
we can all be footloose and fancy free.
Love and……
Kirk out !
Author
Such good news! Thanks for the encouragement, Christopher.
My Dear Pam,
I continue to be amazed at the spiritual insight the Lord has blessed you with as you express what He shares with you about the “Song”. Your words flow like a gentle river, smoothly and yet powerfully. Your passion to see this beautiful book understood will inspire many to search for the One that loves us so deeply and be drawn into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. With much love and admiration. “Uncle” Sam.
Author
I wish I wasn’t so much clouding the way of it sometimes, but the person of Jesus being revealed and increasing in the world is all one can hope for in this life, and through this book! I love you “Uncle Sam” :-)
Hey Pam,
This reminds me of one night at 3 am, a most wonderful time of night, that I awoke knowing His presence was in the room. I said “ is it You”, and I turned my head to the right every so slightly and his face was in my face and He poked me on the shoulder and said “ tag you’re it” and He took off running. My heart lept within me and as I started to run after Him in the Moment, then I realized He wanted to just have some fun. On the blackboard of my heart – this moment He wrote in my book – will never be erased. So the story gets projected into the next day. It was a Sunday and off to church we go. Everything seemed to be especially light and playful. We have our fellowship time and one of the children runs up to me and says, “ tag you’re it” . So I start running after the children and we end up in the “itty-bitty community “ or the children’s church and find ourselves all playing tag. It was a glorious time for I knew this was a special time for the Lord to intervene with His presence. Sometimes He just wants to Be among us.
Remembering Him,
Judy
Author
What a “full of delight” moment! That was so heart-warming to read! I found it interesting that the 3 am moment carried over into the next day. His moments are so fruitful and lasting, full of abundance for all.