Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Good morning!
Man: You who dwell in the gardens with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice! Woman: Come away, my beloved and be like a gazelle Or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains. Song of Solomon 8:13-14 (NIV)
It’s never harder to keep to a commitment than when you’re hypnotized by routine. Do you find this true? Jessica and I have only been married three years, three months, and fifteen days, but I’ve found this to be true. When you add family, increased pressure at work and a thousand other “routine distractions” to the mix, the commitment of even maintaining a marriage can be tough – much less growing a marriage.
The book of Song of Solomon is wonderful. It speaks beautifully and frankly about the sweet romance God intended between a man and wife. Read a bit of it – if you’re brave, read it to each other. The verses above are the final two verses of Song of Solomon. It’s clear to me (and I hope you see it too) that the man and the woman are about to leave and be with one another.
When, ladies, is the last time your husband said, “Let’s leave everyone behind for a little while so that I can listen to just you“? Men, when is the last time your wife said, “I want to go away to a secluded place and just be with you – all by ourselves”?
Jessica and I are blessed to be able to take some time together next week to go to Camp Lone Star and just simply be together without too many responsibilities. Husbands and wives, if you haven’t finished planning your summer with ‘routine distractions’, I hope you’ll take some time for just the two of you. If you’re not married – I encourage you to take some time off this summer to simply enjoy the presence of our wonderful Maker.
May our loving God bless and keep you this week!
In Christ,
Joe
