One regret, dear world, that I am determned not to have when I am lying on my deathbed is that I did not kiss you enough.~Hafiz

I felt surprise.  I posted a "tweet" on my Twitter page that drew a volume of "likes" and "retweets."  The tweet simply read:  We should all kiss more.  I'd even believed the tweet was slightly dumb, and thought of deleting it.  Yet I had tweeted it for two reasons.  The first is that I so enjoy a lovely kiss from my husband, the warmth and affection of his lips welcomed, especially after a heavy day spent in the halls of duty at work.  

The second reason is that I do believe that God's affection toward me is so like a pleasurable kiss.  He makes His presence known to me and I feel the velocity of His affection revive and invigorate me on the pilgrim way that is my life.  And I do believe that He wants me to feel His affection in my emotions.  My relationship with God is not merely a cognitive, robotic alliance.  My relationship with Him is filled with experiences that I cherish.

Just the other day I stood on the banks of the tidal creek at the end of my street.  Usually there are no people around, so I perform stretching and strengthening exercises out in the open.  That day a cool breeze gusted, ruffling the tidal waters.  As I stretched my body there in the warmth of the day, I felt the wind pick up and blow over me, like the breath of God.  I opened my arms and received the sensation, prolonging the moment, almost like I would prolong a warm and delicious kiss from my husband.  Drawing near.

Other times I hold my grandson, his small hand at rest on my shoulder.  And I think, "Oh my God, this is not to be taken for granted.  Let me remember the exquisite softness of his cheek."  Is not this the affection of a God who so desires for us to feel pleasure?  Or my granddaughter.  She will run to me and call my name, so glad to see me, her petite body pressed close to my heart, her shining eyes communicating unconditional love for me.  Is this not a well of pleasure from a good God?

Then I go to the page.  Words spill and flow, a river of God's affection to me as I so adore the beauty and delight of words.

God desires that we be full.  He desires to kiss us, to enfold us in His embrace; to allow His nearness--to hear Him laugh with delight and pleasure in who He's created--to feel the warmth of His touch.  To hear Him sing over us and cradle us and kiss our cheek and say, "Ah when you are near me I receive so much pleasure." Indulge Him, beloved.