“My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” (Song of Solomon 2:10-13 NRS)
Beloved has missed Fair One. The winter has been long and cold. Beloved is feeling ignored and lonely. He knows that it is time for Fair One to refocus on him and refresh their relationship.
The winter season of tears and sadness and gloom is over. Fair One should know that the dreary days of hiding behind closed doors are finished. It is time for her to smell the flowers, enjoy the birds singing, and taste the figs. Fair One needs a new, fresh perspective and she can get it only from spending time with her Beloved.
So, Beloved calls her to come away and enjoy a private retreat with him. Not just a vacation from the ordinary, but some special time with her Beloved.
What a wonderful invitation to spend time with Christ, our Beloved. Most of us do not have the luxury of getting away from the hustle and bustle of our lives for an extended, private retreat. The wonderful thing about spiritual retreats, however, is that you don’t have to go away into a cave to be refreshed. You can experience a “retreat” right where you are, right when you need it. Today, Beloved is calling. What about it, Fair One, will you retreat with Beloved?
Dear Father, thank you for giving your Beloved to be our Savior and Lord. Empower us to refocus and rethink our lives and ministries and gain a new, fresh perspective. I pray today in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous in your retreat with Beloved,