These two reflections are ones I shared during a Quiet Day at https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/ recently.
‘What Do You See?’ I wrote for the day, and ‘It Is Well’ is taken from God’s Calling Cards https://www.emily-owen.com/product/gods-calling-cards-personal-reminders-of-his-presence-with-us-paperback/
What Do You See?
I look in the mirror.
I see useless.
I see rejected.
I see difficult.
I see inadequacy.
I see failure.
I see trying.
I see a burden.
Tears come.
My eyes move to the ground.
It’s safer not to look.
Look with My eyes
His voice is gentle.
Compassionate.
I recoil.
I don’t want Him looking at me.
I hide.
But He’s not put off by my defences.
Look with My eyes
He says again.
‘I don’t know how,’ I whisper,
as I raise my eyes to the mirror.
I see rejected.
I see chosen
Is He looking where I’m looking?
I see difficult.
I see precious
Is He looking at me?
I see useless.
I see loved
I turn to Him,
and follow His gaze
as it leads me to me.
Look with My eyes
I begin to see me.
(Copyright 2022 Emily Owen)
It Is Well
My soul?
Listen to me.
It is well.
I know you’re pulled in all directions
and it’s hard
and you’re tired.
Trust God tday.
And know, my soul;
it is well.
I know you’re overwhelmed
and your diary is exploding
and your head is bursting.
Trust God today.
And know, my soul;
it is well.
I know you’re in pain.
Poorly.
Hurting.
Helpless.
Trust God today.
And know my soul;
it is well.
I know you’re scared.
Future looms bleak
with tomorrows of fear.
Trust God today.
And know, my soul;
it is well.
Every today,
trust God
and know.
Listen to me,
my soul:
It is well.
(Copyright 2019 Emily Owen – God’s Calling Cards)