Excerpt from Psalm 119:9-16

"I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word."

Reflection by Felix Carrion

Today is Valentine's Day. Should I write on the day, contorting the text into a heart-shaped interpretation, or not even try? After reading Psalm 119:9-16, I decide to try. The heart-shaped words are already there. Just use your imagination and romantic sensibilities (and smile).

With my whole heart I seek you  - Do not let me stray - I treasure - With my lips - I delight - I will fix my eyes on - I will not forget.

I think you would like to know that the Psalmist aims all these cupid arrows at God.

The poet Hannah Vanderhart writes, "In older days, what am I saying, in younger days, before the denial of the text, before even the text, there was the dream that almighty Love moved the spheres; a man wrote it down, and once penned down in a book, the people forgot. The love became a lesson, and by ten o' clock it was forgotten."

Oh yes, this is the day you don’t want to forget, or else. Or else, the older days will take over the younger days; the text will supplant the dream; and the lesson will become more important than (almighty) Love. Or else, the gift that moves all will be forgotten.

Prayer

O God, my heart’s desire, my delight, may I never forget. Amen.

About the Author Felix Carrion is Coordinator of The Stillspeaking Ministry, United Church of Christ.

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