Doug Van Pelt

I Want To Love Like A Lover

Song of Songs is a beautiful book. The passionate love described is like the best Hollywood movie -- so full of life and bubbling with passion. "It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame." There is something about love that amazes everyone.

"Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away."

God gave us this wonderful gift. He gave man and woman sexual love, too. It is a beautiful thing. Beyond the passion and beyond the physical bonds is a staying power, a "stronger than feelings" (if you can imagine that) devotion that is commitment. The parallels to a fire are good. If you want to keep a flame going, you have to nurture it. Fire burns, but logs need to be turned, coals stoked, and whatnot. It reminds me that if I want to keep my marriage fire burning, that I need to tend to it. I want to be that kind of lover; who uses my creative mind to think of ways to serve her and bless her. People talk about "Love Languages" and the "types" or "actions" of love that most impact people. Some are more sensitive to words of encouragement, others to touch and affection, others to acts of service, some to gift giving, and others "quality time." Combinations of all of these will nurture and edify and love relationship. I pray that I can keep my focus and energy up to consider these things on a regular basis and actually apply them.

I saw the most amazing thing last night at Warped Tour. Yeah, the shows were cool. Yeah, Underoath made a cool statement from the stage. But we got to sit in on a Warped Tour Bible Study. Several young men gathered after the festival for a time of opening the Word (James chapter 2) and some prayer. It was awesome. Low-key, straight-forward, open, and respectful. It was a good thing.

We're leaving for Cornerstone tomorrow morning. Please keep us and anyone else you know who's travelling this week in your prayers.

Posted by Doug Van Pelt at June 27, 2005 10:01 AM