I recently received, as a gift, a collection of poetry. The friend who gave it to me told me about the author, his mother’s cousin, who wrote thousands of quatrains (four line poems) over several decades. He described her as the smartest person he had ever known (quite a compliment coming from a retired university professor), and also described her writing process. She kept two typewriters side by side on her desk. On one, she did her regular work. On the other, she composed her poetry. Every time she had an idea for a verse, she went immediately to her typewriter and got it on paper. I told him I was glad that I live in the age of the smart phone. It’s a lot easier to keep up with my writing ideas than it would be if I had to carry a typewriter around with me.
I never know when a writing idea will hit or what will become of it. This morning, during my devotional time, I read an unfamiliar (to me) hymn written by Benjamin M. Ramsey (1849-1923). The hymn, Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord, was written around 1919. The four simple verses (quatrains themselves) are as follows:
Teach me Thy way, O Lord, Teach me Thy way! Thy guiding grace afford–Teach me Thy way! Help me to walk aright, More by faith, less by sight; Lead me with heavenly light, Teach me Thy way!
When I am sad at heart, Teach me Thy way! When earthly joys depart, Teach me Thy way! In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress, In failure or success, Teach me Thy way!
When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way! When storms o’erspread the skies, Teach me Thy way! Shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil and pain; Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way!
Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way! Where’er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way! Until the race is run, until the journey’s done, Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way!
As I read these verses, two things struck me. The first was a true sense of encouragement that, no matter the challenges in which I find myself, God has a “way” for me to follow. The second was my “Aha” for the day. All of these verses describe challenges and difficulties. When life is hard, when we experience loss, we are aware that we need God’s guiding presence.
But what about the times when we win? Are we any less in need of God’s guidance? How can we win well? Inspired by that thought, I wrote a fifth quatrain with which I will finish today.
In moments filled with peace, Teach me Thy way! In joy and sweet release, Teach me Thy way! When a smile is on my face, when my laughter filled the place; When I celebrate Your grace, Teach me Thy way!
