November 10, 2005
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SEEING
Now I can see in
darkest night
Or in the breaking
Early light
Or in the smoky
Foggy day;
For it’s not light
Which lights my way.
Not with lens
My path I view.
Nor with eye
Of brown or blue.
A fire without me burns within
And calls my name above the din
Of madding crowd or inner fear;
‘Tho whispered soft, I still can hear.
’tis this same fire which calls to me
Which lights the way that I might see.
The one who’s done it…lit the pyre
a beacon calling “further; higher”
Is himself the holy light
The healer who’s restored my sight.
He Himself will be the day
By which we all will see our way.
And when our way and path is done
The Way and Light will be our home.
© copyright 2005 James A. Smallish
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Revelation 21
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, … 22I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. “
May The Light light your path clearly…Jim
Comments (12)
I like this
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else” – CS Lewis
Your poem reminded me a my favorite CS Lewis quote. Sweet.
Your qoute reminded me of a Johnny Cash song “When the man comes around” Pretty awesome
Nice poem
Nice poem. Who is the author? Thank you for your comments on my site. It does make you think and reflect doesn’t it>? Have a great day.
“… CONTROL…I want to fix things….that doesn’t take the trust that appropriate letting go entails.” Jim
Yes! Control is difficult to relinquish. I’m finding it hard to transition from being the care giver, who has to stay on top of my small sons, to the trusting parent who has to let them learn in a different way now, from their own mistakes. It goes against the grain of a care giver to allow those they treasure to suffer, even the consequences of their own decisions. But transcending it all is the Sovereign One, Who often works in ways we cannot see. I remember Joseph of the Old Testament much these days, I’m sure when he was in that pit, sold as a slave, lied about my Potphar’s wife, and then in prison, he did not always FEEL God was involved, but He was. Sight so often lies, but faith knows, He is there and will not fail us or forsake us.
Such poetry, like what you’ve written and posted here, makes me thankful for this written communication means of being in contact with God’s people in other places in this world. His light burns brightly in your words. It reminds me of this concept of truth found in the first chapter of the gospel of John, Light overcomes darkness. And the hope and joy is, that light burns in us!
Breath_of_Dawn: Thanks. Although I’m not completely satisfied with it ( it’s kind of sing-song; especially in the beginning), sometimes when I’m too tired to compose a full post, poetry works for me. The first couple lines just popped into my head, and as it usually does, it kind of took off on its own once I started to write. What’s missing is the refining part…I was so tired and mind-weary that I just let it stand as it was/is. As I’ve said before, I know you and other writers are well-familiar with all of this.
April: Thanks twofold: for your comment, and for reminding me of one of my very favorite among many wonderful Lewis quotations.
Sammy: Thanks.Good to have your input…I’ll have to check that song out…there’s a good chance I have access to it in my son’s DJ files; they’re pretty extensive, and he is a fan of “The Man In Black”.
Onevoice1: Thank you. It was nice to stop by your site. Great post you had about partings, wishes, and blessings.
Martha: How I identify with you (AND your husband, I gather)! The struggle you mention is exactly that to which I refer! How much easier to yield and let go when it’s only my own life which will see suffering or surfeit.The parent who loves agonizes far more over the pain involved in the pruning and growth of their “little ones” (whether they’re 6’2″ sons, or 48″ grandchildren), than over their own.
“It goes against the grain of a care giver to allow those they treasure to suffer, even the consequences of their own decisions. But transcending it all is the Sovereign One, Who often works in ways we cannot see.”
How true! It is my complete faith in this, and in the goodness of the one, truly GOOD Father, which allows me to let go (ie, “turn it over” to His capable, loving hands) in trust.
Everyone: For a really sweet, touching and profound story, link to this post by Onevoice1.
God’s presence to all….Jim
I came by to read your poem again. I like it even better the second time.
Control. Yes, we all want to control because we think we know what’s best, and often we do. But it is good to remember that we do not need to worry if God is in control. He certainly knows what’s best, and He is the One who Redeems.
God led me to Him through many, many poor decisions and choices I wish I hadn’t made. And yet, I must question whether or not I would have the union with Him that I have today if my life had been a walk in the park. I would not be who I am or where I am but for who I have been and where I have been.
Jim: thanks for the openness. I think we are on the same page as parents. Who knew it would be this hard? I thought I was so independent, so able to let go. But my apron strings extend beyond my waist and seem to be attached at the heart! I’ve told my husband recently, “I’m sure we prayed for all of this and didn’t know what we were asking for.” Like Breath of Dawn related, mistakes can lead us to the Desire of all Hearts, He promises to cause all things to work together for good. I have to be wary of the voice of the enemy, interpreting events and presenting his version of reality. He has destruction in mind and as scripture tells us, “…he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Fear seems to be his very effective tool. And when he wields it against me, I’m seeking to use it as a red flag that signals, Run, run right to the Shepherd and seek Him for faith and peace. A counselor once told my husband and I, there are two types of people who deal with sheep, butchers and shepherds. When we hear a voice, a thought, I believe we can weigh it and ask, Does this sound like the Shepherd or the Butcher? I suppose that’s why the fruit of the Spirit is on my mind today, His voice sounds like love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness…..
Hello again. RYC: Yeah, I figured that’s what the deal was. In fact, I had even thought to make a wise crack about how youthful you were looking as of late and then thought better of it. As for me, I’ve been spending my days and weeks putting together Websites for other people, so I’ve not been around much: I finally checked my Xanga after about three days. I’m slacking, slacking: too many irons in the fire.
Yeah, nice poem Jim.
It’s Deborah here, at my new place. Come see me sometime.
Nice poem. i like that metaphor.
“For it’s not light
Which lights my way.”
Not, it’s not light, but the light.
“For how bright shines but one light in this dark world”
i am a chinese girl ,i like reading your poem very much ,in fact i like writting poem in chinese sometimes .
cna you tell me which song is having a hit in your country ,i want to listen to some western music but i don’t konw the name ,thnak you !~~god bless you !
i am sorry to sent comment to you in poor english ,hope you can help me to learn english ,hehe~~~~