We all have many “loves”. I don’t mean only certain special someones, although those are the most important. “Loves” could be events, memories, foods, activities, hobbies. Whenever asked to complete the sentence, “I love”, who or what comes to mind? Here is my short, not-all-inclusive list, in no order, except for the first two: God, my wife, my family, worship, camping, canoeing, mountain hikes, steak, reading, my congregation, and music.

To go further, we all have “lovelies.” These could be the same as your “I loves”, but to describe them as lovely captures even more of the meaning. There is a whole lot of lovely music in the world, for example. My parents instilled in me a great appreciation for classical music. Every Sunday afternoon we would hear it in our home. Some of the  loveliest melodies and themes ever written. Much to their consternation (and to every parent of a teenager, I presume), my brother and I developed a taste for classic…rock. Yes (the group), Pink Floyd, Styx, Kansas. But classical music never left me. Sacred choral music as well. I remember as a boy one choir anthem (my Mom was the director). It was “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling”. As a young adult, I had the delight of singing in a choral society. We did the Brahms Requiem. It is one of the most glorious works ever written. The fourth movement is – you guessed it – “How Lovely is They Dwelling Place.” Two loves – God and music – coming together brought sobs to my throat as I tried to sing. Dwelling places include, but go far beyond, the idea of places to go on your bucket list. It means heaven. Any person, place or thing that you would describe as lovely would certainly qualify as a dwelling place. That which feeds your soul and draws you closer to holiness and bliss. Hear again the words of promise from Jesus: “in my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” Psalm 84. Heart and flesh crying out for the living God. Lovely indeed. Unconditional love, absolutely.

Pastor Art