First Love

Today was an interesting day.  Our plan had been to go to a temple complex in Bueng Khan Province (just east of here) that involved walking on a walkway attached to the side of a cliff.  About an hour out, however, the road was closed due to flooding.  We could have detoured, but that would have taken too long.

Plan B was to go to a Forest Temple in Sangkhom, which is in Udon Thani Province, not too far from Phon Phisai.  From pictures we had seen, a bunch of deer are allowed to wander the complex.  What also interested us was the fact that there were so many large trees near there.  But when we got there, we found the gate locked and no one to let us in.  We did take time to enjoy a walk under the big trees, though.

Big Trees in Front of Sakunasai Forest Temple

By then it was lunch time, so we drove into the town of Sangkhom and found a restaurant.  The name of the place was Rak Thuh Tee Suit Nigh Lok Khao Kaeng, which translates: I love you most in the world "rice curry". (A "rice curry" restaurant is a place where you get a plate of rice and choose from a selection of prepared dishes to put on top.)

Perhaps there is an origin to the name of the restaurant that makes sense, but it seemed a bit strange to me.  But it made me think of the letter Jesus had John write to the church in Ephesus, which included the statement: You have forsaken your first love. (Revelation 2:4)

My first love should not be chicken curry over rice.

My first love should not even be my wife.

My first love should be Jesus.

Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:29-30 ESV)

But oh how easy it is to get these priorities messed up.

I'll end with this song that I came across last week, which is a fitting prayer about getting these priorities right.
(Click the title to listen on You Tube)

Awaken Love

Kim Walker-Smith

Take me back to the moment of surrender 

Heart completely Yours    

Unafraid, just a child within Your presence 

Trusting in You, Lord    

Pre-Chorus

Walk into this place 

I give You space 

Come and move around me

Meet me face to face 

Stir my heart 

Awaken love within me 

Chorus

Jesus, come. Jesus, come 

My first love, my first love 

Jesus, come. Jesus, come 

My first love, my first love

Bridge

I have wandered from Your love 

Thought my strength was strength enough 

I am done relying on myself 

You're the one who breaks my chains 

You're the one who calls my name 

I will look to You and no one else