Amongst the Fresh Meadow-Flowers
Bees surround their queen among fresh meadow-flowers; and the soul that is unceasingly in a state of compunction is surrounded and assisted by the angelic powers, for it is kindred to them. Ilias the Presbyter
Compunction is a lovely old-fashioned word, but what does it mean? It is a state of anxiety about doing something wrong, a twinge of misgiving over anticipated guiltiness, and hopefully intentional care to do what is right.
For the Orthodox Christian, compunction sounds like being always aware of the state of our soul. For example, am I choosing to do things that are pleasing to God because that is my heart’s desire or just because I’m afraid of messing up? Thinking about the angels being like bees among the fresh meadow flowers reminds me that it’s more than just fear of doing wrong; I want to please God and create beauty in my life.
“From the love of my soul, I cry to thee, O Guardian of my soul, my most holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one and guide me to the heavenly life; teach me and enlighten me and strengthen me. ”
Lord, help me to listen to that quiet feeling of compunction when it warns me to be careful. Thank you for sending your angels to care for me.
photo credit: Rebekah Markewich
