Watching his beloved father become weakened by age and illness, Dylan Thomas lamented that “ Old age should burn and rave at close of day ” and wrote the untitled poem with the well known quote “ Do not go gentle into that good night.” In that poem, he observed the end-of- life ruminations ofContinue reading ““Raging against the Dying of the Light” or Confidently “Going into the Good Night?” Thoughts from Dylan Thomas and Jesus…”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Blood, Sweat and Tears
The idiom “blood, sweat and tears” is usually associated with hard work and not with poultry! That saying has often been attributed to Winston Church in his address to the UK in 1940 and was also the name of a 1960’s brass-jazz-rock group. But the term predates Mr. Churchill and rock bands. It was usedContinue reading “Blood, Sweat and Tears”
What is Your View?
It is interesting how our perceptions of places, events, or ideas depend on our interests and the angles from which we look. There are many influencers on how we view life, ranging from family and social environments and cultural mores to the values we learn in our schools and churches and synagogues. These either hauntContinue reading “What is Your View?”
Treachery’s Anguish — Shakespeare, King David and Jesus
“Blow, blow, thou winter wind.” That was my Grandmother’s lament on cold, windy, winter days and the only line I remember from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” However, those words had a different meaning when sung by Shakespearean actors. They were a simile for the bitter disappointment of a relationship ruined by disloyalty: “Blow, blow, thouContinue reading “Treachery’s Anguish — Shakespeare, King David and Jesus”
Of Catalogs and Kingdoms
One of the bright moments during Maine’s late, cold winter months arrives when the seed catalogues do. They not only inspire dreams of fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers but also astound with the awesome awareness that a variety of plants are stored in tiny seeds, varied and peculiar to the hidden plant! Packed within eachContinue reading “Of Catalogs and Kingdoms”
Of Sheep and Shepherds
There is something special about sheep, something both ancient and pastoral! Perhaps it is because Scripture presents beautiful word pictures of how God shepherds his people. Trusting and obeying the Shepherd’s voice lead to “green pastures” and “still waters”, to fulfillment and security. However, the Psalmist sounds a cautionary note about inattentive, straying sheep because they haveContinue reading “Of Sheep and Shepherds”
Lilies and Life
While teaching his followers about proper life perspectives, Jesus talked about the importance of being genuine, that seeking approval and self promotion by showing off superficial, self-righteous piety is arrogant and disingenuous, that the distractions of our material world capture our imaginations and desires and divert us from the more important matters of our spirits,Continue reading “Lilies and Life”
Swiftly fly the years
Another day is ending with a glorious display. Most of us don’t ponder mathematical equations or physical principles when we think about sunsets or “time”. However, since our beginning, “time’s” mysteries and brevity have filled the minds of writers, poets and composers, prophets and preachers, philosophers and scientists— and especially old men! God existsContinue reading “Swiftly fly the years”
Light in the Darkness
The moon, silently reflecting the hiding sun and shining on freshly fallen snow, brightens our world by holding darkness at bay and is a reminder of the first Christmas night which happened “upon a Midnight clear” when “the glory of the Lord shone about” and the light of the Gospel came. The night ,“… whenContinue reading “Light in the Darkness”
Thanksgiving Grace!
Turkeys, which had been extinct in Maine since colonial days until they were very successfully reintroduced here in 1977, always remind me of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, of hunting with my Dad, of family gatherings, of reading Henry W. Longfellow’s The Courtship of Miles Standish in the 8th Grade, of pilgrims, of funny hats, and of Native Americans sharingContinue reading “Thanksgiving Grace!”
Sweet Words from Maine 