Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Finding serenity


I've noticed lately that finding peace in today's noisy, crazy world is a challenge. Countless sources of stress take their toll as we each strive to hurry forward to accomplish our daily list of things to do. Trials surface without warning, shattering any semblance of tranquility we may have attained. When tribulation tests our soul, the question, "WHY?" clamors for attention.

The answers we sometimes seek don't always come as we would wish. They slip inside our hearts and minds when we least expect a reply. They quietly present themselves in silent moments, and often when we take the time to meditate upon the beauty of this world.


The poem I've selected to share today was written during a challenging time in my life. I was constantly asking "WHY?" and the answer didn't present itself for quite a while. It came after tremendous soul-searching, after taking the time to reflect on the numerous blessings that were still part of my life, despite the heart-rending trial of losing a loved one. I found comfort in places of beauty, tranquility in silent pondering, peace in knowing that despite everything, I was still a beloved daughter of God.

May this poem reflect that journey and offer hope to those who travel a similar path.

Resolution

The answer was elusive,
Shrouded in dark despair---
Blinded from discovery,
I doubted it was there.

Gradually the quest to know,
Faded into pained desire---
Glowing embers of dying hope,
Gave life to the waning fire.

On occasion it would surface,
The question burning through my soul---
Echoing in muted prayer,
The silence taking its cruel toll.

Faith became a lifeline,
Though bitterness beckoned and sometimes won---
But the battle, far from finished,
Taught me to reach toward the Sun.

And when the shadows at last were vanquished,
An inner peace forcing them to depart---
The answer I'd been seeking,
Came and nestled in my heart.

Cheri J. Crane

1994

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for your poem, Cheri. Gave me the warm fuzzies.

I have something for you also (and anyone else reading this :-) Hop on over to my blog and receive a heart warming Christmas gift.

Cheri J. Crane said...

Anne, I'm so glad to hear that this poem gave you the "warm fuzzies." It means a lot. ;)And now that I'm back in computer land (I was out of town most of yesterday) I'll hop over to your blog.

Unknown said...

Cheri, you have no idea how much I needed to read this today. Thank you.