Agatha Nolen

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Love

Love is in the air this weekend! There is nothing more exhilarating than being “in love”, but nothing worse than loving the wrong person.

Rev. Sarah Puryear shared a poem in her sermon on Valentine’s Day at St. George’s Episcopal Church. We concentrate on our human love on the holiday, but 365 days of the year, we can count on God’s love for us.

George Herbert wrote this poem in 1633 about the relationship that Jesus (“Love”) has with us. Regardless of our need for human affection, let us not forget the love that surpasses all, "...for God is love." (1 John 4:8).

 

LOVE (III)

by George Herbert

 

Love bade me welcome, yet my soul drew back,

        Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-ey'd Love, observing me grow slack

        From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning

        If I lack'd anything.

 

"A guest," I answer'd, "worthy to be here";

        Love said, "You shall be he."

"I, the unkind, the ungrateful? ah my dear,

        I cannot look on thee."

Love took my hand and smiling did reply,

        "Who made the eyes but I?"

 

"Truth, Lord, but I have marr'd them; let my shame

        Go where it doth deserve."

"And know you not," says Love, "who bore the blame?"

        "My dear, then I will serve."

"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste my meat."

        So I did sit and eat.

 

Blessings, my friend,

Agatha

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Love Agatha Nolen