“Rushing waters can’t quench love; rivers can’t wash it away.” — Song of Songs 8:7 CEB

In recognition of Valentine’s Day, I will reflect (just this once) on the un-preachable passages found in Song of Songs, the book that you won’t find in your illustrated Bible. Romance is a small part of scripture and also a small part of life. It’s often not even as big a part of marriage as the fairy tales would have us believe… but romance is a thing. God intended for us to live in community, to be light and warmth for one another. And because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by an infinitely creative Creator, sometimes a special combination of two individuals will generate sparks.

There are a number of lessons to be learned from Song of Songs, like how to compliment your bride by comparing her hair to a flock of goats (6:5). Maybe the most important lesson is that our bodies are important. We aren’t brains on sticks or metaphysical souls. In addition to being cerebral and spiritual we are material. We experience everything as sensory beings, including each other. Of course, we have to be profoundly respectful of one another’s comfort levels (some people prefer not to be touched for a variety of good reasons). But if God has put someone in your life to fist bump, or hug, or other things that we don’t talk about at church, be grateful. When humans connect, life happens.

Lord Jesus, help us to love you and love one another with our hearts, minds, and bodies. Amen.