While downtown Minneapolis the other day, I watch the flow of people, many who walked past a homeless man curled into a corner of a bus shelter trying to get through the day. ( the missions only take them at night. It was a real lesson in Living the Season, and it was not a good one! I took the guy to a restaurant and while low on money myself, I could at least buy him a dinner and help him stay warm for a couple of hours as we chatted. It inspired the following poem.
The Winter of Life
The song of winter
whispers in the bare branches above
as dawn glimmers
on the ice shrouded trunks
and the snows
crunch softly underfoot
I sit on my grate to watch
the flow of man
as cold as the very air we breath
as hard to bear
as heartless as winter’s rage
each just a Me
Lost amid a crowd
a grain of sand on an empty beach
I watch so empty
for I am but one of the invisible
to run my time
and disappear as if never been
Almost everyone will at some time in their life be affected by depression, either their own or someone elses. Some common signs and symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and helplessness. Although we cannot say for certain that characters in the Bible experienced depression, we can say that some did exhibit a deep sense of despondency, discouragement, and sadness that is linked to personal powerlessness and loss of meaning and enthusiasm for life.
Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! God helped Elijah deal with his despondency in several ways. The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. Then, the Lord revealed Himself and reminded Elijah that He was quietly working among His people. Next, He renewed Elijahs mission by giving him new orders. Finally, God reminded Elijah that he wasnt alone.
In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself!
Hope you had a good Friday, Johnn.
Thank you for sharing your good deed. Thank you for helping the less fortunate. I enjoyed your poem.