I’m thinking back over those forever embedded memories of the days of glory when a new life sprang forth from me and the pink mottled flesh was placed upon my chest and our eyes met for the first time. These sacred moments of indescribable love that ascends from deep within are tattooed on our souls for life. The absolute delight of falling in love occurs in an instant, a love that endures a lifetime no matter what life brings. People often wonder if there is such a thing as love at first sight, if ever there were, this is that moment. This child that bears your image, bone of bone and flesh of flesh, brings with them a majesty that is beyond comprehension. And it is meant to be this way. This love, this bond, is a shadow of the love that God has for us. We too are image bearers of our Creator, our Father and his delight in us is everlasting. In a sacred moment he tattooed us on the palms of his hands for all eternity, our names, forever embedded in his book of Life.
I remember the tender times of rocking chairs and sweet lullabies as they comforted a restless child back to a peaceful rhythmic breath. This bond grew and intuitively assured them that these arms that held them were safe, strong enough and never far away. This love is an unexplainable yet undeniable mystery.
And yet, so many walk through this life feeling unloved, rejected, alone, these bonds in tattered shreds leaving only a distant memory and a constant longing. This earthly shadow is not perfect and the parent and the child can wear the darkness. The mirror has been broken and the reflection of the image has been deformed.
But, Glory moments happen every day as souls emerge from their tattered shreds into new life and see their names in indelible ink. When their eyes meet the eyes of the Image they bear they hear the sweet breath of love descend and say “I delight in you.”
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17