Tuesday 28 June 2011

Sweetheart Abbey



People do strange things for love! Today we had the privilege of visiting an Abbey, built in the 12th Century by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway. The Abbey is named Sweetheart Abbey and she had it built in memory of her husband John Balliol. 

The story is that when John died, Lady Devorgilla was so heart-broken that she had John’s heart embalmed and kept it with her until the day she died. Now, if you visit the Abbey and stand just in front of the Altar, you can also feel that creepy sensation, that I felt today, as I stood above her burial ground. It just felt weird to be standing on the place where her body and John’s heart were buried together. Some people may think it was a romantic gesture, but it was a little strange for me.

In truth, many people don’t understand Love. We don’t understand what drives others to do outrageous things for the ones they love. Just think of what Jesus did for us – He died on the cross for the one’s he loved – for the entire planet! That seemed bizarre to people in his day (and too many today) and yet his act of Love has changed our lives. 

Love may not make sense, but it sure can bring life! 

May we respond to God’s Love in such a way that seems real and life-changing for us.
Living in Grace,
D3LM3

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