Confession: I Love Shakespeare.

I used to hate his writings, as I had a hard time understanding the antiquated language, but then I had Shakespeare I with Byron Nelson at WVU (then ENGL 263--if you're at WVU, I encourage you to take it! BN is a fantastic teacher). I developed a love for Shakespeare that continues today. His artistic use of words, syntax and line never ceases to inspire me!

I thought I'd take a minute today and share one of my favorite poems with you. It's Shakespeare's 29th Sonnet:

When, in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featur'd like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least:
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising,
From sullen earth sings hymns at heaven's gate:
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

I think I love this poem so much because I can identify with it. When I'm alone and feeling sorry for myself, it's easy to feel like this... like God doesn't hear my weeping; that I have no reason to hope; that everyone else has it better than me... etc. In those times the things that usually make me smile are the things with which I find myself "least contented."

BUT... when I think upon the Lord, my state is transformed! Thinking about his great love for me--so great a love that nothing can separate me from it*, not even my despair--brings great wealth, peace, and joy... far more than the greatest of kings could hope to have. I doubt that Jehovah was Shakespeare's muse, but He is who comes to mind when the truth of this poem sinks down in my soul. [*Romans 8:38-39]

What drives you to praise? Is it Shakespeare? A secular song on the radio? A lovely tree dusted with snow? A good conversation with a friend? I would urge you to seek out perhaps the "least spiritual" things in life and shape your mind to sing His praise on their behalf.

Every good gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [James 1.17]