Come out, you daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced. (Song of Songs 3:11)

Crowns are used across cultures to communicate authority and position.

In the Judeo-Christian tradition - and some others - the crown is also a symbol of God's blessing.

At their wedding a Jewish bride and groom would wear a garland reflecting their role in the celebration and the blessing they had received.

The premise is one of authority derived from God's grace and blessing.

The blessing is acknowledged, its responsibility accepted, and the role is publicly communicated in the crown.

We are more apt to pursue power than receive blessing, and this has long been the way of the world.

But in the ways of Love we would be well-served to be more attentive to blessings offered.