Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Bob Reichman.

Ezekiel 37: 1-14 (Valley of Dry Bones)

The story of the Valley of Dry Bones is ultimately about hope against all odds. I included this song/poem I wrote as a teenager in the Adult Forum that Marilyn and I did on the subject of hope on Nov. 30. It’s an illustration of my determination to be hopeful despite an inclination toward cynicism. I identify with both of the characters in this poem, but I strive to be more like the old guy. If nothing else, I’m starting to get the “old” portion down.

“The Decrepit Old Man”

The decrepit old man I had known long ago
stumbled toward me remembering not my name.

So, I told him, “I’m Bob, the young boy you once taught to read.”

He said, “No, you’re not he, my friend.
He was full of the morning sun.
You have but the moon as your companion.
Once there were flowers and streams in your eyes,” he said.
“Why have you abandoned yourself?”

“I have not abandoned myself.
I have become older and wiser in the ways of life,” said I.
“I have no time for the dreams of youth.”

He sat down and gazed at the ocean sky that day.
“I wish I could explain,” he said.
“The excitement of hope. The thrill of hope.
Someday, when you become as old as I am now —
if you are fortunate, sooner, perhaps —
all this you will understand.”

I cried, “But what have you that I have not?
Am I not more fortunate than you?”

He slowly stood and said, “When you sometime have your own children,
watch them, and recall how you, too, believed in spring.”

Prayer

Loving God, sometimes it’s hard to hope, but we know that you will always be with us through all disappointment, pain, discouragement and tragedy. And that’s a pretty good place to start.