The poem I chose for this Sunday could more accurately be termed “poetic prose.” It’s a piece by Catherine Doherty, and I’m not sure of its source. Her perspective on God’s work in our souls during dark times gives great food for thought. It is obvious, at least to me, that the place at which she arrives is absolutely a work of grace–but one which God can do for each of us. It is one of the great paradoxes of the spiritual life, one which Luci Shaw addressed in her poem, “Of Consolation” which starts: “It is down/makes/up seem/taller . . .”
I prayed to God for songs and laughter. He gave me tears instead. I prayed for life in valleys green, full of harvest rich. He led me through deserts arid and heights where snow alone could feel at home.
I prayed for sun, lots of dancing, and sparkling rivers to sail upon. He gave me night, quite dark, starless, and thirst to guide me through its waste.
But now I know that I was foolish, for I have more than I prayed for.
I have the Son for bridegroom. The music of his voice is a valley green, and river sparkling on which I sail. My soul is dancing, dancing with endless joy in the dark night he shares with me.
An unknown Puritan many years before had written something similar in a poem entitled, “The Valley of Vision”, which includes this line: “Let me learn by paradox/that the way down/is the way up . . .” The poem ends:
Lord, in the daytime stars can
be seen from deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells
the brighter thy stars shine;
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty,
thy glory in my valley.
May you find His light in your darkness. . .
Witnesses to Hope 