Naturally, I will think about that lyric for hours, and apply in some metaphorical way to my life. Then I looked at the words of the rest of the song. Well then. Oh, there’s one verse in there that… nevermind. It’s time to sleep.
There are a lot of things I would like to see happen.
I would like to see my dad stop rolling his eyes at my endeavors. Especially charitable ones.
I would like to feel like I’m not as complicated as I am.
I would like to not worry and actually possess more hope on a regular basis (like that which I profess to have).
I would like to feel more organized and at ease in my own skin.
But enough about me. I would like to see the world change in a positive way.
This really stuck out to me in my reading. I mean, practically jumped off the page.
And the Lord said:
Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
while their hearts are far from me,
and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,
therefore, behold, I will again
do wonderful things with this people,
with wonder upon wonder;
and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,
and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.
Isaiah 29: 13-14
So, yes, in context, this is about Jerusalem (I think, I’m looking at the notes in my ESV study Bible)… but I just thought, wow, that’s a lot like American Christianity right now (maybe I can’t even relegate it to just that, but that’s what I’m familiar with anyway). Especially the fear part. Made me think about extreme fundamentalism too. Fear should not be the basis of your faith. It just shouldn’t. Probably easier said than done. Unfortunately, that tactic has been overused in our generation…
But the next part of the verse gives me hope. I will again do wonderful things with this people. I think I see that in little glimmers. I’m rebuilding my sense of awe. As G. K. Chesterton said (what a brilliant man he was!!), “The world is not lacking in wonders, but in a sense of wonder.”
I pray I see, hear, or experience something that instills wonder in me today.
Lovely, lovely song by Sufjan Stevens…
I call you
From the comet’s cradle
I found you
Trembling by yourself
When the night falls
Lightly on your right-wing shoulder
Wonderful know-it-all
Slightly where the night gets colder
Oh, conscience,
Where will you carry me?
I found you
Star of terrifying effigies
When the night falls
I carry myself to the fortress
Of your glorious cause
Oh, I may seek your fortress
When the night falls
We see the star of wonder
Wonderful night falls
We see you
We see you
I see the stars coming down there
Coming down there to the yard
I see the stars coming down there
Coming down there to my heart
[Repeat x 10]
Merry Christmas. <3
I know exactly
