At the age of 19, I was many things before being born of the Spirit (As Jesus would put it, in John Chapter 31). Before that truly glorious day, I remember seeing the snow capped mountains, watching the suns rays dance through the trees, and as I breathed the electric air of a thunderstorm: I felt deeply that the book of my life was missing a chapter, or like the puzzle of my life had key pieces missing. I am not sure if you know what I mean by this? Think of a void that could not be filled, a hunger that no food could satisfy, or perhaps a door keyhole but you don’t have the right key to unlock it.
I didn’t realize at the time that The Maker-of-it-All had planned it that way. This poem comes from the desire to live worthy of such a Maker, and although I fall short time and time again — the Sunset is a beautiful reminder to keep going. ‘Cos just as it will rise again tomorrow, so is the mercy of my Merciful God.
It was G.K Chesterton’s, Orthodoxy2 that brought all these past feelings back to the surface. And so recently this poem burst forth:
Whether it speaks to you or not, I suggest taking the time to watch the sunset, which surely speaks a better word than my own.
Can I pay for the Sunset?
So “Out of my reach”
Can I pay for the colors
That speak Wonders to me?
Not forgetting the squeaking sand between my toes.
Can I pay for the ocean?
The crashing of her waves
As they roar, and return back home?
They ViViFy me, yes. Amazing
Not to mention the electric wind of an approaching storm.
The crAckLing thunder,
Then Laughs down down her magic rain.
Yet, it costs me. Nothing?
Like a thief, I steal, it. all.
At the same time my hearts goes boom. Like a drum, ma.gi.cal.
Do I deserve such AWE Filled wonder?
Did I earn my feet, and legs
That carry me?
I’m like a beast, worse. Does not the
Ox it’s owner know, the donkey — it’s masters care?
Ah, Heavens Hand reach down, that I
May give into, and give in, too.
Can I pay for the sunset? For Goodness sake.
Can I GIVE something to God, to thank HIM for.the.magical.beat.of my.
Heart.
Psalm 19 verse 1 - 4
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
Amen.
Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again’.
G.K Chesterton, Orthodoxy, Chapter 4, Elfland.
Isaiah 1: 3
Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care— but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.”
