An imagery that replay in my mind is of a boy flying a kite.  The kite is flying high and free,  its course controlled from ground by a string attached.   If the string is broken, kite looses its course with unpredictable results.

Realism or Abstraction?  This is a recurring question for artists.  To me,  it is primarily a consideration for effectively conveying art. 
Exploring divine realism,  where love is so real yet so abstract, this is indeed an important consideration.

Like the boy in the imagery, while I value the freedom of kite, I desire to be in control as well.   I prefer freedom of my abstraction well grounded on a string of solid realism.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!