| Day 294: Read today's devotional on Bible Gateway. Watch Those FoxesYoung WomanAh, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. My lover said to me, "Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!" Young ManMy dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely. Young Women of JerusalemCatch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming! Young WomanMy lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies. Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, return to me, my love, like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains.
(Song of Songs 2:8-17) ReflectThe lovers celebrated their joy in creation and in their love. God created the world, the beauty we see, the joy of love and sex, and gave us senses to enjoy them. Feelings of love can create intimacy that overpowers reason. Young people are too often in a hurry to develop an intimate relationship based on their strong feelings. But feelings aren't enough to support a lasting relationship. Song of Songs 2:7 and 3:5 encourage us not to force romance lest the feelings of love grow faster than the commitment needed to make love last. Patiently wait for feelings of love and commitment to develop together. Even with commitment, problems can result. The "little foxes" are an example of the kinds of problems that can disturb or destroy a relationship. It is often the "little foxes" that cause the biggest problems in marriage. These irritations must not be minimized or ignored, but identified so that, together, the couple can deal with them. RespondNever let problems, conflicts, or the ravages of time ruin your ability to enjoy God's gifts. Take time to enjoy the world God has created. You might start by telling God what you appreciate about the gifts he has provided. | 
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