“Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it.” (Songs of Solomon 8:13 KJV)
Bobbie and I strolled, arm-in-arm, through the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. This was our first real vacation in 10 years and we were enjoying it thoroughly. The fifty-five acres of Butchart floral displays, offered us spectacular views as we meandered along the paths and expansive lawns. It is a horticultural experience that has delighted tourists, from all over the world, for 100 years. This exquisite masterpiece of gardening is a remarkable testimony to the beauty of God’s handiwork. It is truly one of the “loveliest corners in the world.”
One of the most memorable points of this vacation was that the gardens emitted such wonderful fragrances. We could linger anywhere along the paths and enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowers in full bloom. Butchart Gardens is more than beautiful landscapes. They smell good too!
This was one of our most memorable vacations – – just the two of us — in which we enjoyed sweet communion. O how we would have liked to remain in the gardens together, in uninterrupted fellowship. Yet, we had to return to our family and responsibilities.
This is real life. We discover a garden of beautiful, fragrant fellowship with Christ. And when it is over, we return to other things and the garden of communion becomes a memory. But the garden of communion is to edify us, encourage us, and empower us. It is the beginning not the end of fellowship with our Lord.
In the midst of our responsibilities and obligations, may we not neglect our communion with Christ, but let him see our faces and hear our voices. “The companions hearken to thy voice; it is a pleasure to them; cause me to hear it.”
Dear Father, thank you for communing with us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Empower us to commune with you daily. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous in your fellowship with Christ,