June 11, 2015

he who wrestles with God

     Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him there until daybreak.  When the man saw that He did not prevail against Jacob, He touched the socket of his thigh, so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated, as we wrestled with him.  Then He said, "Let me go, for the day breaks."
     But Jacob said, "I will not let You go, unless you bless me."
- Genesis 32: 24-26

The clouds prepare for battle
In the dark and brooding silence
Bruised and sullen storm clouds
Have the light of day obscured
Looming low and ominous
In twilight premature
Thunder heads are rumbling
In a distant overture

All at once, the clouds are parted
Light streams down in bright unbroken beams
Follow men's eyes as they look to the skies
The shifting shafts of shining weave the fabric of their dream
- Jacob's Ladder by N. Peart

     Over the phone, my son wrestles verbally, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually with me time and time again.  In the day.  Late at night.  Countless hours.  A lifetime can occur during one conversation.  That understanding, that acceptance, that peace dances at the edges, forever eluding his (and my) grasp.  His illness, his Demon, his God, he will not let them go until he receives his blessing.