Days brighten as legs lag;Christmas’ pulse confuses withAdvent slowness.How do we find stillness in this poundingpurposeful ascent to year’s climax?Many rushed home for the census but fewsaw the signs, heard the angels, glimpsed the star.Slowness humbles.In weakness, in childlikeness, come.In seasonal fluster, in thesehigh-pollen, heaty days, come.In competence, incompetence,preparedness and cluelessness, come.The season grows thatContinue reading “Advent 2”
Tag Archives: humility
Advent with the Prophet Jonah Day 3
Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay downContinue reading “Advent with the Prophet Jonah Day 3”
Acedia
“… how we perform these often dispiriting duties, from the changing of a baby’s diaper to the bathing of an aged parent, reveals what kind of God we worship.” Kathleen Norris, Acedia & Me Weary, yet itching for greater things,Longing to change the world whilemy own heart lies stony and stagnant,I turnfrom the trifles ofContinue reading “Acedia”
Epiphany: Unexpected Myrrh
…all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord. (Isaiah 60:6b) The promise shines bright, but not all have eyes to see. Many search elsewhere, dismissive of their quest for nothing great comes from Palestine. Preferring the grandeur of temple and palaceContinue reading “Epiphany: Unexpected Myrrh”
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 5
The lie entwines with half-truths: it pleases the eye, and wisdom seems good, yet that which seems deceives, tears apart at the seams the fine-woven fabric of image and praise. Who are we? Like God, yet when we grasp at fruit to be like God, the image dies; the garden turns to dustbowl. O whatContinue reading “Lent: Humility 5”
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 3
The serpent bites deep; venom lurks where least expected. The heart has chasms, labyrinths, unknown even to itself. What way out have we but to weep? Deceitful beyond all things, the heart’s lie is more twisted than you ever thought. Good intentions pave Destruction’s road; who will rid me of this body of death? FollowContinue reading “Lent: Humility 3”
Lent: Humility 2
Bow at His feet. You did not come here by yourself: your knees are weak and buckle under pride, and joints stiffen when left to self. The road is narrow. You must bend and bow to walk its curves; it will not bend itself for you and, puffed with knowledge, you will only make itContinue reading “Lent: Humility 2”
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”
The Consolations of Writing 