"We can either love God because we hope for something from Him, or we can hope in Him knowing that He loves us ... Better than hoping for anything from the Lord, besides His love, let us place all our hope in His love itself. This hope is as sure as God Himself. It can never be confounded." -- Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island, p. 17
"But if we love God for something less than Himself, we cherish a desire that can fail us. We run the risk of hating Him if we do not get what we hope for." -- ibid., p. 18
Lord, I have hoped for less
than Yourself
I have cherished searing desire
thinking it was living love
I have resented
and doubted
and stamped my feet
like a child
But how could I ever hate you?
Your love-filled eyes captivating
your sense of humor lifting me up
talking me down
your compassionate touch
your instant Presence
Though you hide yourself to test me
you leave your love-notes in my path
your fragrance lingers in your wake
like hope inhaled
Your sure love leads me on
will never fail
Photo and blog copyright Sheila Bair
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