Lily Among the Thorns

Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.
-Song of Songs 2:2


You’ve read book after book, devouring chapters of blazing gazes and whispered promises, but as the last page turns, four walls return and you’re left, alone and silent, in the emptiness.

You’ve tried the warm arms of a cold heart, only to lay awake in the morning sifting through ashes of a fire fanned out.

You’ve stood in the deli section of the grocery store, ticket in hand for shaved ham, noting how similar you feel to the piece of meat being weighed on the silver scale.

You’ve assessed yourself with practiced eyes in front of the mirror, magnifying every blemish, every wrinkle, every added curve until, like Dorian Gray’s portrait, the reflection turns into a hideous monster.

You’ve watched friend after friend float down a petal-strewn aisle, your bridesmaid dress fitting a bit too snug, pondering when it will be you tossing the bouquet instead of catching it.

You’ve trailed rivers of tears down your pillow in the dark, replaying the events of hours earlier and asking yourself over and over why you just weren’t enough.

So you hesitate with your heart, skeptic anyone will sweep you off your feet.

Then He appears. Almost out of nowhere. You’re in the corner of a coffee shop, sipping your favorite latte. Jogging through a park, feet flying over the pavement. On your second load of laundry, separating the delicates. At first, the smile on His face slides over your head. Surely it couldn’t be aimed at you. But you sneak another glance, this time noticing the depths of piercing eyes fastened on you.

He makes His way towards you, stopping a few feet from your gaping stare. With a gentle yet purposed stride, He closes the distance and pulls you into His arms. It feels natural, as if your head was formed for His shoulder.

Leaning down, He tickles your ear with words. “You are beautiful.”

A kiss, soothing on your scalp, lands in the meadow of your hair. “You are who I’ve been searching for.”

Hands, stained with scars, wipe away the drops of doubt that roll down your face without permission. His next breath filters to your heart, fusing precisely into the space you’ve branded hopeless, and you return the embrace, this unexpected love springing swiftly to your soul.

“Like a lily among the thorns, so is My darling among the maidens.”


Prayer:
Thank You for loving me. All of me- imperfections and all. May I fall more and more in love with You as I seek after Your heart and all You encourage me to be. Amen.