I cannot stop the tide of life: it moves at speeds I cannot calculate; it twists and turns and undulates. It thwarts my best paid plans, my stern-set goals. Nothing in this life bends to my will; my trunk is buffeted too bluntly by these waves; my fists smart from clenching atContinue reading “Lent: Man of Sorrows 5”
Tag Archives: God
Lent: Humility 6
Teacher, they say, grant us whatever we ask of you. Assumptions rich in self, they see a throne, and seats on either side; surely theirs? For what other reason do they fight? Yet His kingdom is not of this world; its great ones do not presume, nor grasp. Losing and finding self, they serve, seeingContinue reading “Lent: Humility 6”
Lent: Humility 4
Dust I am, precious Lord. Though well-adorned in rags of self, underneath I am dry bone. Daily I wander in search of glory: fine silks to wrap my pride; jewels to garnish ears that do not hear; softest leather to shoe rock-still feet. What can clothe a heart of stone? What perfume can disguise rottingContinue reading “Lent: Humility 4”
Lent: Humility 1
In praises, bow. The dust heap is not your final home, yet He is king and though a king He also bowed and, humble, became dust. So wait in dust, and bow. And sing! Such humble, unaffected fun befits the heirs of one who danced the stars alight – again! again! – in child’s constantContinue reading “Lent: Humility 1”
Lent: New Song 6
Newness declares itself in broken hearts: old ruts are vast and carry dust yet penitence cleans fathoms deep and always makes anew. What yesterday made shame your song today is fading into silence. Listen: polyphonic hope arises, gentle, soft, yet sure. The old has passed, yet still can yell; The new has come,Continue reading “Lent: New Song 6”
Lent: New Song 5
What have you seen of the past? What stories do history’s pages tell? A mute dirge perhaps, or a final bugle, retreat sounding when battle’s about to be won? You look only in false places; the witness of the past tells only half-truth. It was not there when firmaments were sealed or covenants carved intoContinue reading “Lent: New Song 5”
Lent: New Song 4
New, this song that you must sing, yet carved in ancient harmonies, set to ancient notes and weighed in ancient modes on ancient scales, from everlasting days. Tune your strings to ancient staves and sing the truths of yesterday; rehearse the promises of old in present songs of future hope, in freshest melody. The oldContinue reading “Lent: New Song 4”
Lent: New Song 3
Sing to the Lord a new song – The old song is tired; it has no breath. Love and faithfulness have kissed; sing their song and live. Make way a path for righteousness – a level path where knees won’t strain. Sing body parts into new joy; watch new steps form for feet.Continue reading “Lent: New Song 3”
Lent: New Song 2
When morning bright awakens eyes: awaken tongue; awaken mind. When birdsong sounds the new of day: sing, soul and heart; sing new pathways. When yesterday creeps back to minds: awaken, spirit; transform flesh. When patterns threaten, dead songs groan: listen, heart, to Spirit’s song. Turn the sounds of self to silence;Continue reading “Lent: New Song 2”
Lent: New Song 1
Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth!…Tell of his salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1, 2b) Old songs rot in dead ears; Old ruts of thought declare: That was not me I will try harder I had no choice That’s just the person thatContinue reading “Lent: New Song 1”
The Consolations of Writing 