Poetry in Motion

            Sometimes I get overwhelmed trying to figure out what God wants me to accomplish with my life. I forget he's the one with the plan. I wonder if you do the same.

This verse helps me keep things in perspective. "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

            The Greek word for handiwork is poiema, from which we get the word poem. It’s astounding for me to think that the Creator of the Universe who made so many beautiful things in nature is also creating something beautiful in me. I am God's poem, something beautiful he is writing. So are you.

            A poet chooses and arranges his words carefully. He cares about how they sound when they are read or spoken. Every time he picks up his pen, he has something in mind to say to the world. 

            When God knit you together in your mother's womb, he was writing a poem. You're an instrument he wants to use to share his grace, his mercy, his love to the world. You're not an instruction manual. You're a poem.

God knew in advance what his plans were for you, and he always finishes what he begins. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)

            The poet Mary Oliver asks, ". . .what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Better yet, what does God desire to do with it? What does he want to say to the world through you? Remember, you’re a work in progress. Poetry in motion.