A Short Story
I quickly glanced at the time on my phone and noticed I was 5 minutes late to our date. This week was busy. He’ll understand, work, school, serving, all these things are very important. I have to be a good steward right? He planned for us to see each other at this national park, even though I really don’t care much for hikes anymore; they’re too time consuming. I decided to go anyway since we haven’t spent quality time together in a long time, much of which was my fault.
I don’t know when the relationship started to lose the flame. When we first met, we would talk almost every day, I would send Him voice notes throughout the day and get so excited to hear His commentaries and advice on certain situations. I would especially cherish the sweet notes He would say to me, even writing them in my journals. Our face to face encounters would sustain my weeks, just one glimpse of His gentle yet passionate eyes stirred me to persevere in love for Him and to continue to be diligent in all areas of my life so that He would be pleased. Now, I don’t even remember the last time I’ve looked up from my busy schedule to even perceive His face. Now that I think about it, I don’t remember the last time I’ve heard His voice. Our calls have been really one-sided. My schedule only fit our calls to be about 30 minutes every two days, and most of the time was filled with my long list of requests in regards to how I should prosper in my life, because stewardship right? He would barely get out two words of encouragement before I hung up to go and well, steward. Other times I was so burned out that I wouldn’t even call, I didn’t have the energy to pretend as if I wanted to talk or seek Him.
I rummaged through my bag to pull out my phone, which I really needed to clean out, and saw three missed calls from Him and a text buried amongst all my emails and notifications, I had to scroll for a minute just to find it. He says:
“I cannot wait to see you! I’ve been waiting, please hurry, I love you, see you soon”
I smiled to myself, and then guilt just began to bubble up inside me. How selfish have I been! A lump formed in my throat and dread came over me like a heavy blanket. Maybe He has called me to reprimand me and tell me how bad a spouse I’ve been. Five more minutes until I reach this place, what am I going to say to Him? We haven’t talked in so long, does He even like me anymore ? I mean I know we committed to this relationship, but He must be so disappointed with me.
My Love!
I turned and there He was waving me over to Him, I got off the stony pathway and crossed over into the green field where He had set up a picnic blanket filled with cushions and blankets. As I get closer I can smell His sweet aroma. He smiles at me and pats the luxurious cushion next to Him beckoning me to sit. I set my bag down and sit down. I fidget with my bracelet, and I become so aware of all my imperfections, my hair isn’t done today and I didn’t even get a chance to put on makeup. Everything is laid bare before those eyes. His burning eyes. He gazes intently at me for a moment, and my heart begins to race, my thoughts are running wild, what is He going to say to me, I’ve really screwed up now, maybe all this will fade away and He’ll tell me He doesn’t want me anymore. He waited for a moment, a moment that felt like an eternity and began to speak, His voice was assertive and humble at that same time. Like a river His words flowed over me:
“I’ve been planning this meetup for a while, I know what you’re thinking, and no I am not angry with you! Let’s eat, with fervent desire I have desired to share this meal with you, but you haven’t made time for me, but now all is forgiven, for my sake and yours I’ve wiped away all your negligent behavior so we can enjoy this moment!”
Tears started to run down my face. This place was truly beautiful! The field was filled with lilies that danced joyously amongst the verdant grass. The sun glowed a warm orange amongst the pink clouds. The sky seemed to be open over us with expectation. Even the cushions and blankets that we were nestled in shined like precious gems, rich purples, reds, and blues all were lined with gold thread and soft as silk. The aroma of the incense He lit was of myrrh and sweet oils, cinnamon and other spices.
I looked back at Him. He was more beautiful than the sunset and the pasture and the expensive cushions. His Presence was more enticing and fragrant than the incense. His eyes were like fire, steadfast and passionate. His smile was so faithful even though it told a story of heartbreak. His countenance was pure like a lamb, yet noble as a lion. I started to cry more bitterly. How could I have forsaken Him? He pulled me close into His arms, and it was as if I was in the arms of a mighty eagle. He held me and I became still, so close to His heart. I could stay there forever, all my cares began to fall off my mind and my heart began to soar lighter than ever. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, He began to sing. His voice was like honey, healing all my self inflicted wounds and the deep scars that I bore from the hands of others.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Again I will build you, you are my beloved.”
He sang this over me seven times as He wiped my tears away. I felt His joy fill my heart and gained reassurance that His love was truly sweeter than anything else in this world, and that I wanted to cling even tighter to Him than before. He released me for a moment and took the bread that He had prepared, gave thanks and broke it.
This is my body, broken for you! Even when you had been unfaithful, I was faithful, and I will be faithful. I allowed my body to be broken for this very moment, so that I can hold you this close.
He gave me the larger piece and kept the smaller piece for Himself. I took and ate, and it instantly satisfied my hunger.
Likewise He took the cup, served us and said,
This cup represents our covenant, which I have kept by shedding my blood for you! You are that precious to me.
I sat there captivated and in awe of His goodness. I took the cup and drank and my soul felt refreshed and saturated with thankfulness.
He got up and extended His hand toward me. I let Him lift me up and He began to lead me in a dance. The birds began to sing and the fragrance of the flowers around us began to release into the atmosphere. The sky smiled over us.
I began to sing to Him:
You are the light
Song of my life
You always lead me
You are the voice inside
You are my love
No one before You
You are my beloved.
He rejoiced and laughed that hearty laugh of His and pulled me in closer. We danced and danced, and I never wanted to leave Him again.
Author’s Note
The Date is supposed to illustrate the beauty of Christ and His lovingkindness to a negligent and busy bride. The bride starts off the narrative making excuses and trying to rationalize her unfaithfulness. So many things catch her attention including school, work, and ministry. She forgets that only one thing is required, fixing her full focus on Christ. Yet despite her pride and failure to take proper care of her relationship, Christ swooped in and took initiative to plan a beautiful date where He had a meal prepared already. She didn’t have to bring anything except herself and an open heart.This story is an invitation to recognize the beauty of Jesus and to pursue intimacy with Him.