Thoughts on a quote from the Text of “The Profhet” by Khalil Gibran.
“Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.”
Dear Reader,
Yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the deep bonds described in scripture.
Jonathan and David.
Jesus and John.
Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Each relationship reveals devotion, loyalty, affection, and sacrifice. Scripture seems less interested in defining them than in showing the quality of love they embody.
Those reflections returned today as I read these words from Kahlil Gibran:
"Let there be spaces in your togetherness... For the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."
Gibran reminds us that love is not possession, controling or attempt to shape another person into our own image.
Instead, Love gives another soul room to become what God intended.
This is especially clear in the friendship of Jonathan and David.
Jonathan, Saul's son and the natural heir to Israel's throne, recognized God's hand upon David and did not resist it. He did not compete or diminish David to secure his own place.
Instead, he protected him. Encouraged him. Strengthened his faith. And surrendered his own claim to the future. Jonathan's love was remarkable because it sought David's good, not his own advantage.
Recovery has taught me the same lesson.
The people who loved me best did not rescue me from every struggle or live my life for me. They walked beside me, encouraged me, prayed for me, and honored the dignity of my own path with God.
This is one of love's highest forms:
- To support without controlling.
- To encourage without directing.
- To care without possessing.
To stand together while leaving room for the winds of heaven to move between us.
The pillars of a temple stand apart. They are separate, yet united in purpose. Strong, yet not dependent on one another. Together, they support something greater than themselves.
I challenge us all to love openly:
- With devotion.
- With freedom.
- With faith.
And with enough trust in God to let those we love become all they were created to be.
🙏🧘♂️💕🤗☮️
No comments:
Post a Comment