Wake Up, Soul!

I am circling around God, around the ancient tower,
and I have been circling for a thousand years,
and I still don't know if I am a falcon, or a storm,
or a great song.-Rainer Maria Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke's the Book of Hours

It was a locked psychiatric unit and a young soldier from our church who had been depressed was there. I was on staff and on duty and we were speaking about the love of Jesus intruding into all the walled off places that keep us separated from God and His goodness. Often keeping us separated from our authentic selves.

There was another soldier in the same room with us who was in a catatonic state. Little did I realize our conversation was penetrating his dense mental fog and awakening hope. The next morning he was alert and responsive, claiming he did not know what was going on or what had happened to him but that he did know God loved him and had a plan for him. The living Word of God had simply been alive and did what living things do- it took a breath, moved and woke him up.

Some days I do not see the wisdom of all I will become. I have lived a long time but I have not run out the clock. The Word of God is still breathing on my life and imagination. I may yet be "a falcon, a storm or a great song"...or all three!

There are days Christ is saying to me of the hungry, "You give them something to eat." Of the naked, "Give them your coat." Of the empty canvas, "Fill it." Of sin, "Forgive it." Of the catatonic, "Wake up!"

Life and opportunity are on high alert. They are waiting for us to shout out our intentions. To breathe out the Glory.

I’m ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe. Ready to sing, ready to raise a God-song: “Wake, soul! Wake, lute! Wake up, you sleepyhead sun!” I’m thanking you, God, out in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud’s a flag to your faithfulness. Psalm 108 MSG

Is there something God is asking you to do or fill or be?

Wake up soul!

(Beauty From Leftovers, Garage-Art original painting by Kat Genovese)