During this season, I look forward to the Advent devotional provided by Biola University. It is a collection of daily encouraging messages that beautifully depict Jesus through the arts.
A few days ago, I was struck by the life and writing of the poet Vassar Miller, mentioned in the devotional. Miller’s lifelong struggle with cerebral palsy made every physical task difficult. She began writing when she was a child, using a typewriter because her crippling disease profoundly affected her. Much of her work explored religious themes but she also wrote about the difficulties of living with cerebral palsy and the isolation she experienced. It was surprising to me how such a successful woman could feel so isolated. The beauty of her poem shared in the devotional touched me so deeply that I wanted to share it with you.
Invitation
by Vassar Miller
Here is the land where children
Feel snows that never freeze,
Where a star’s the reflection
Of a baby’s eyes.
Where both wise men and shepherds
Measure all Heaven no smaller
Nor larger than He is
And judge a lamb is taller,
Where old and cold for proof
Would take a stone apart,
Who find a wisp of hay
Less heavy on the heart
Come near the cradle where
The Light on hay reposes,
Where hands may touch the Word
This winter warm with roses.
There are many people who experience isolation during the holidays. The reasons are numerous but the feeling of living outside of community for whatever reason is filled with pain. Do you know someone whose life circumstances may be causing them to feel isolated? What can you do to encourage someone during this very special season?
Stories changing lives.
Christmas blessings!!