hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all - emily dickinson

Sunday, March 27, 2011

music and lyrics

  To be able to express emotion lyrically and musically is, I think, an incredible gift. This afternoon I was listening to Brooke Fraser.  Her album, "Albertine" might be my favorite - with such thoughtful and reflective lyrics, I find myself copying down much of what she's written.

  Seeds is a beautiful picture of legacy and the importance it should hold in how we live our lives.  It touched me anew as I listened today and thought of my little niece who will be joining us in a few short months.  I've copied the lyrics below and linked the song above. Just listen a minute and think on the privilege (and responsibility) we're given in leaving a legacy behind for the next generation. I pray I still have many years left to live... but even if that's not the case I hope there's a semblance of One who is greater in my life and that His works and words shine more brightly than mine ever could.

  ...and to the little pink bundle in the oven... I have you in mind, sweet  one, as I strive to follow the Father's call and pray that you, too, will know Him as your own one day.

  with all my love,
    auntie becky



night
field of stars above us
you pick one
we frame it with
our fingers
intertwined

seeds of every generation
between our hands
and the promise
to teach you the
little I have
learned
so far

child
what will you live to do?
what have i left for you?
what will we leave behind?

you
learning as you're growing
not yet knowing
the world isn't
always quite as
beautiful
as it is now

child
what will you live to do?
what have i left for you?
what will we leave behind?

night
field of stars above us
i pick one and
name it for you
and all who are to come...

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Waiting is...

So, I've had some time to be introspective tonight.  As I journaled and read through some Scripture, I came across a quote I had written down back in college. I thought it was appropriate to share and hopefully, encouraging to the 9 people who might check my blog.  It's from Elisabeth Elliot's "Passion and Purity" and she is actually quoting S.D. Gordon in "Quiet Talks on Prayer".  It's all about waiting...

"Waiting is...
     steadfastness, that is holding on;
     patience, that is holding back;
     expectancy, that is holding the face up;
     obedience, that is holding one's self in readiness to go or do;
     listening, that is holding quiet and still so as to hear."

Elisabeth then writes, "How long Lord must I wait? with this response, "Never mind, child. Trust me."

And as I read this, I thought to myself... yes, waiting can be hard. Not knowing what you're waiting for can be even harder. But in the meantime, instead of focusing on the unknown and the time "wasted"... look how much waiting teaches me, grows me, and reflects more of Christ's character in me - if I'll allow His perfect work to be done as I wait.

So, I find myself thankful for time gone by. For a Father that's jealous for precious time with me - to teach, grow, shape and love on a heart He delights to call his daughter.

Can you trust Him with your time? There are no safer hands...

"...steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord" Psalm 32:10b