9 Days of Seclusion: EXCLUSIVE

“Dark am I, yet lovely, Daughters of Jerusalem, Dark like the tents of Kedar, Like the tent curtains of Solomon. Do not stare at me because I am dark, Because I am darkened by the sun. My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; My own vineyard I had to neglect.” ~Song of Songs 1:5-6

(Inspired by "Beloved" in the Song of Songs)

World, I am yours.

I am your psychiatrist, psychologist, prayer partner, nursing mother, midwife, and massage therapist.

You set your natural calendar around my schedule, gliding smoothly on your axis while I keep you going and keep things flowing like a basketball twirling between my fingers.

You think removing myself from your company is to invite anarchy to overcome you and allow humanity to veer headfirst like bumper cars into tangible distractions.

But I must. I must break away. I must retreat from life’s work if only for a moment.

I may be holding you up, but it is God who raises the roof. It is He who gave me strong limbs to carry your weight. Time now to carry the weight of my heart to Him.

I have to get on His schedule.

I have to get in His presence.

I have to get back my quality time.

I am compelled by the Father to find the time to kick back and bless the ONE who takes us higher.

And in turn, He will nourish my weakened spirit pulled and tugged out of shape like old play-doh.

“My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” ~Song of Songs 2:10-13

God, reset my soul. Change my vibe from the minimal pulse it has become to the rapid rhythm it is destined to be. Make me resilient once more to handle the world you’ve given me.

Don’t worry, World. I’ve got you, but only because God cares for me… with exclusivity.