Deeper Meaning

24Mar
As the deer longs for the water-brooks, 
so longs my soul for you, O God.
-Psalm 42:1


Growing up as the daughter of a Greek immigrant whose entire family was still living in Greece, I was privileged to spend many summers and even winter school vacations in my parent’s home in a small (at the time) fishing town called Varkiza. There I had a sparsely appointed room where I slept and took my “siesta” in the heat of the day. As a child I was not overly inclined toward afternoon siestas, and so I often found myself reflecting upon the tile you see above, which hung directly to the side of my bed. These beautiful tiles were a simple art form that has mostly died out in Greece, but which were once as ubiquitous as worry beads in Athens’ old town of Plaka and Monastiraki. This particular tile was special to me as a child and continues to bring me joy as an adult, but in a different way. 


When I was young the tile showed me a loving couple sharing a warm moment together with the white dove symbolizing their joy. I could daydream that one day I too would find such a love. However, through the years I grew to wonder about that dove. Now I see it as not only a symbol of the love the couple shares, but as something more. I see it as the embodiment of the love our creator God shares with us through the Holy Spirit. I see the dove’s presence as the presence of the Holy Spirit who is blessing the young couple’s love. It is an outward sign of God’s grace. A sign that the couple may not even know they are looking for, and yet which is present in their yearning to be connected to each other. For isn’t it universal to humankind that we are all looking for love, connection, and meaning? Don’t all our souls long for you O God? And, we pray that just as in the photo above, sometimes we too may find You, O God, silently smiling above us, as we rest in the arms of another.


Musical Reflection - O For the Wings of a Dove - Mendelssohn, Kings College Choir


O God, I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love is not watching over me. Send your Holy Spirit to be with me and those I love, watching over our lives with tenderness and care. May I always be mindful that in my loving connections with others I am living proof of your presence and your love. To the Glory of your name. Amen.

Holy SpiritLoveLent

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