romance in bloom

let us go out early to the vineyards and see whether the vines have budded, whether the grape blossoms have opened and the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love. 

Song of Solomon 7:12

Love is often associated with the beauty of early spring when the verdant earth is renewed with the prospects of growing life. The beauty of the season is a time for new life and new love. And that is the poetic imagery applied here. The bride wishes to be carried away from the urban confines of Jerusalem... off to Solomon's vineyards where they two can stroll through gardens and orchards and drink in the delights of their love in the perfume of the blossoming countryside.

It is a function of romantic love to fill the human heart with such idealism. Of course real life cannot ALWAYS consist of leisurely vineyard strolls, but such moments can sustain and nurture a love for a long, long time. And those private getaways are the maturing moments in a marriage. They furnish a unique shared history for the couple. And memories of intimacy in those private places are strengthening commitments for them. Strong relationships are enjoyed when a man and wife, with a twinkle in their eye, associate a place and time with the memory, "Remember when we....?"

There is a healthy dose of romantic goofiness in every great marriage. It is unique and intimate with the couple. It should encouraged, enjoyed, celebrated, and remembered. And I do well as a husband when I foster these times. Truthfully, finding a vineyard to wander among the blossoms with my beloved sounds so inviting right now! My heart should always offer the invitation to me wife: "Let's go to the countryside!"