A Dozen Red Roses - Pt 2

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women. As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Sustain me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am sick with love. His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me! (Song of Solomon 2:1-6 ESV).

The Texas Bluebonnet Trail last year was another one of our little adventures in seeing some of the wonder of the world God has created for us. We were fortunate to find someone to snap a photo of Mary and I together in the midst of acres of these wonderful wild flowers last year. It reminded me of the importance of one of the principles developed in our study of Song of Solomon in our approach to Valentines Day. Continued courtship is essential in a healthy marriage. Song of Solomon is a series of different sections which show the progression of the relationship between King Solomon and his beloved, and it starts with a courtship. This is a phase where one “puts their best foot forward.” Lovers’ words are sweet and full of compliments to one another. Clearly, the characters in Song of Solomon are deliriously happy over their mutual growing affection. They long for one another in an intimate way but demonstrate restraint as they grow together. Our culture seems to have lost the art of courtship. In fact, based on my experience with adolescents and teens today, we have failed miserably in teaching them this crucial principle. They jump into what they call “dating” before they even know one another and there doesn’t seem to be any courtship or “winning one over” anymore. There isn’t much evidence of those principles of chivalry, being coy, or simply waiting until they’ve put in their best efforts before even uttering the words “relationship”. Mary and I have been married for 49 years now. It has not always been easy or simple. In fact, it has often been challenging and complex. The one thing that seems to be a constant throughout the years is the necessity and benefit of continuing to court one another. Sometimes it a simple expression, and at other times it is elaborate. What I do know is that the example we have from the Lord is that of doing everything possible to begin and grow a relationship with His beloved, even to the extent of sacrificing his life. Perhaps our thoughts as we approach this Valentine’s Day ought to be centered in those things. Flowers and chocolates are fine, but they alone will not build a lasting, loving relationship. They will not bring us “great delight” (v. 3). Think on that today and determine to have that kind of commitment