Reflections...

Completed November 30, 2006

This poem actually plays with the word "reflection." - from reflecting on one's own life (being in the dark and how God has saved me) to being used by God to reflect His image (His goodness, kindness, compassion,etc.) Another thing that could be seen in the poem is the symbolism of the room depicting the person. We are unworthy of being saved by God but God does not look at the outward appearance; He looks at the heart. No matter what our background or status in life may be, we all need a Savior to cling on to.

In this little and unattractive room,
I find blissful peace and consolation.
It does not matter if it’s somewhat old,
It’s just the perfect place for reflection.

It’s the kind of place that’s chilly outside,
Yet you could feel the sheer warmth from within.
It’s like a dusty book left on the shelf
Only to find superb stories within.

Well, in here you’ll find mere simplicity
Not like the fancy lodges and hotels.
It does not have all those trappings and trimmings
Nor does it have decorations like bells.

It’s an old room with just one basic bed,
A table, cabinet and two small chairs.
Yet in this kind of quiet atmosphere
I find myself saying heartfelt prayers.

I come into this place very lowly
For I’m a person with plenty of sins.
And as I confess my sins and wrongdoing
That is the time my Savior’s work begins!

I sing a song of praise and thanks to Him
For He has pulled me out of the dark pit.
I’ll believe and depend in His guidance.
Under His laws, I’m willing to submit.

As I do this everyday of my life,
I see changes in the way I do things –
From being childish to being mature,
From selfish to being a true blessing.

My only prayer now is to go on,
Carrying on what has been well begun.
I pray that my life be a reflection
Of how it is to be living in the Son!

The Wise Master and the Tiny Servant

Completed November 6, 2006

This is my first time to write something like this. It is like a narration with conversation, but the conversation is in poem form.

The servant in the poem is very complacent and mediocre in what he does. He makes up excuses to avoid bigger tasks. You can say he had a comfort zone and was afraid to leave that area. The Master knew this so he decided to teach him a lesson. In the end, we are reminded to strive for excellence just as in the Bible: be faithful in the small things - all of these in preparation for something bigger where more responsiblity and accountability is needed.

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Narrator:
This is a tale of a tiny servant
Who served daily in his Master’s mansion.
He had the habit of saying “I can’t”
Which drew about the Master’s attention.

Narrator:
This is a narration of their conversation…

Master:
Servant, why do you belittle yourself?
Have you no sense of spirit or passion?
You’re not a worn-out book left on the shelf.
You should have more positive reactions.

Servant:
How can I be of use to you my Lord?
I am but a mere servant of your house.
I could not fight nor wield a heavy sword.
I am just like a coward little mouse.

Servant:
I cannot think and speak like the scholars.
Nor can I buy and sell as the merchants.
I can only clean all your shirt’s collars
And water and care for the mansion’s plants.

Master:
You must have heard of the tiny spider
And how it persevered throughout the rain.
From branches to branches like a glider,
Spinning its web again without complain.

Master:
Or the story of the little flowers
And how they endured the winds of the storm.
They call this rain but mere tickly showers –
Just something needed for them to transform.

Servant:
But Master, I am but a small weakling!
I am not perfect, nor is what I do.
I’m not fit to serve someone like a King.
I’m just of no use to someone like You!

Master:
Have you forgotten that I brought you here?
Have you failed to recognize my own acts?
It was my own will that wanted you near.
Maybe you should try to think and relax.

Narrator:
After thinking awhile, the servant could not smile.
Not because of hatred, but of the truth that’s been said.

Servant:
Indeed, you have been very good to me.
Yet I repaid you with pangs and heartaches.
I ask for your pardon – this is my plea.
I promise not to make the same mistakes.

Servant:
If I had fixed my ugly attitude,
Master, none of these should have had happened.
I want to give to you my gratitude
As I try hard not to hurt or offend.

Narrator:
This servant grew not only in his faith,
His Master also gave him bigger tasks.
When His Master would ask him to do work,
His new reply would be “No need to ask!”