Fifty Years On

You look at the picture
of your eight year old self,
fifty years ago, smiling unaware
of the journey you were beginning, unaware

of the mountaintops and canyons,
the bright still sunshine
and devilish storms
you would travel through, unaware

Of the power of love
to break your heart and mend it again,
of your own fragile weakness
and your remarkable resilience, unaware

that the Sunday School stories
read in a bright corner of the sanctuary
would have the power to guide you through the darkness
fifty years on.

About this Poem

This morning is Palm Sunday, and as I read in my bible, once again I was struck by the contrast of this holy week, beginning with the incredible entry into Jerusalem, then twisting and turning through the last supper, the last agonizing prayer in the garden, the betrayal, the torture, the death, and then… the Resurrection.

I stumbled on the picture above last night while I was looking for something else. Yes, that’s me in my bow tie sartorial splendor. I was probably 6, 7, 8 or thereabouts.  Roughly fifty years ago. I found myself asking what my eight year old self would think of the journey I have traveled so far. He certainly could not have imagined it.

I am still constantly surprised at what God has in mind, and how he turns roadblocks and brokenness into blessings. But then, to a God who can turn the crucifixion into Easter…. my little life is a piece of cake.

Tom

About these Lenten Poems

My friend Cathy Benson is on to something. Instead of doing without for Lent, she is doing MORE with a prayer project that is thoughtful and caring.

Giving up something for Lent is a church tradition, not a biblical command. It was designed to get our minds and hearts right as we approach the holy week and Easter. It’s a good spiritual discipline.

But I think a spiritual discipline of doing something more is also a powerful way to prepare our hearts for Easter. The Methodists, through their “Rethink Church” initiative have come up with a photographic way to do this (see below). I am going to add a poem with each image for the lent season to help prepare myself. Feel free to glom on to the idea, visit the blog and read, or share your thoughts and prayers.