Life slowed me down…back
to verse 5
You anoint my head with oil – I’ve been a little hung up on this part of the verse, and was
waiting for the words to grab me. My first thoughts were hot oil on my hair. I will actually use this now and again, if my hair is really brittle. Its ‘supposed’ to help…yes, I buy the
marketing. That didn't feel right,
despite the fact that I’m sure the Big Guy would love for me to take care of my
brittle hair and split ends.
After reading a little
more, I realized there were references to various types of oils, as well as
recipes. A few examples: oil of joy for mourning, oil of gladness; and
anointing oil. I really stopped investigating after reading about the anointing
oil, as it was intended to mark those who were to be set apart, such as
royalty. This maaaay have been before the whole ‘knighting’ protocol came around, back when you would tap the shoulders of the chosen one. ..and I’m pretty sure this supersedes the ‘swearing
someone in’ bit, where the newly chosen places their hand on a Bible… just
sayin.
A host often marked
their guest with oil, and swore to protect them. …in the presence of an enemy.
My cup runs over – I remember always worrying about this line. If you make a mess, you gotta clean it up!
However, a dinner guest, receiving this much attention, is not pouring their
own glass. The host is making the mess,
the host is pouring from a bottomless container, the host wants you to stay and
keep on keeping on into the wee hours. You are safe, you are well fed, your
belly is full. As your cup runneth over, take a minute to appreciate why it
runs over. Science. Consumption. Poor
eye sight. Appreciation. Excitement. Parental love. …Mom and Dad will never let you stand inside
their house hungry or thirsty.
Now, stop thinking about
sweet tea or wine or water running over the sides of that lovely cup. YOU are
the vessel. You are the vessel that is
being filled with goodness. You feel
safe, you are not hungry, you've found an oasis in a really dark valley, and
you feel relief. You feel gratitude towards something bigger than
yourself. You are the cup and the
goodness runneth over.