Hope Visible

"I must tell you, that in former times men have met with Angels here, have found Pearls here, and have in this place found the words of Life."

John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress, 1678

Hope Visible

Atop the pinnacle of a vast, golden precipice
You gaze upon my image,
As I wander, walking, wading
Along sugar-white shores,
And reaching, I strive, to grasp,
To gain, to clasp a star
From heavens far above.

Beneath many voices, heralds of my soul,
Sounds of ocean waters, waiver,
Each tossing endlessly against another.
The soft, velvet sand shifts, moves
Beneath my feet, bare, plain,
Searching for a path near,
To find, to know, to trust, to see.

Moonlight glimmers, reflects from
An object below;
I stop, bend, reach, touch
A mysterious treasure that
Dances at my feet.
Taking possession, I grasp it,
Tossing all fear aside.

The shell of the meager sea creature
had washed helplessly on the shore
From the rushing, foaming tide.
Gently, I open the precious pelf,
Waiting, prospecting, expecting,
I find, caressed deeply in its bosom
Is the Pearl of Great Price.

Many years ago I penned this simple piece, a reminder of the human search for truth and hope, which is often filled with confusion and useless gain. So many search for hope, for meaning, for love, but sadly fail to find the truth of Jesus Christ, the real and only answer to all our needs.

Our Heavenly Father longingly watches these dear ones, ever waiting on their discovery of the Truth. What they do with that Truth and the only real resource of Hope changes their lives forever. Some embrace it, some admire it, some believe it useless, some study its unique qualities. Others deny its value and scorn its humble story. But all must do something. All must answer. All must respond to the gift of hope and life. And what is done is etched in the divine documents of God. Written in His eternal sands of time.

Thank you for bearing with me while I took a little vacation. My son and his lovely little family blessed us with a post-Easter visit. We all traveled together to Georgia to visit mothers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was a beautiful time together. Many blessings to all as you prepare for the Lord's Day and as you worship Him in spirit and in truth.