Indulging

I do not have discipleship class tonight and so I am indulging. Indulging in enjoyment of the day. It's been a while now since I've had an ENTIRE day free from some kind of obligation. I am not saying obligations are bad and I myself made the choice to obligate myself to take a discipleship class at my church here. But, I have to admit, today just feels luscious. It feels luscious even with a headache, which usually ruins my day, but my soul is so relaxed, I don't even mind it so much. Plus, last night God told me I'd have a headache and that I'd need to drink lots of water today. Last night, I indulged, too.
I have a good friend here who I love and it has been a long time since I've spent time with her and her boyfriend, who I also love. We made plans to hang out and watch the World Series at her house (since I have no cable at my house), but plans changed and so we went out for pizza and I asked the boyfriend to tell me his side of the 'how I fell in love with her' story. The beauty is that he was eager and willing to tell even though there was a boxing match on and his mouth was filled with pizza. Claro esta, we had to take breaks every now and then as his eyes wandered to watch some guys throw some punches, but that was to be expected. After dinner we actually ended up back at her house where there was wine and chocolate. I don't drink wine all that often and especially not living here because we need to be careful witnesses in an alcoholic culture, but when I do get to have a glass, I savor it. And with dark chocolate. Why is God so good? Anyway, then my friend put on some rich tunes to go along with the rich evening and THEN... pulled out the art supplies. Talk about indulgence. I grabbed some conte crayons and just started drawing what was right in front of me. It happened to be my glass of wine. As I was drawing, I thought about Jesus sharing his last meal on earth with his disciples before he was crucified. I felt his tension as he was reclining at the table, a glass of wine before him, thinking about what he was about to go through. Would his closest and dearest friends understand the symbology if he tried sharing with them? Would they understand the connection between his blood and the wine they were drinking-- a common thing? I saw his fingers lightly touch the stem of the cup, his eyes gazing into the deep dark. "I will not drink of the vine again until I come..." Catching the sound of his voice, his fellows turn their heads to look at him. What was he saying?
I can't imagine how Jesus felt on that night. How he must feel now, waiting in anticipation for the day when he will again drink of the vine with his companions at the wedding banquet. What seemed like a simple indulgence to me last night, turned into a deep longing to be intimate with Christ, the lover I am waiting to see, with whom I will share a cup of the vine-- the best wine which he saved for last. I am my beloved's and he is mine; his banner over me is love.
Today feels luscious as I indulge in the love of the one who is, who was and who is to come...