by Dave Schultz
My Search
On stark hills, in cities, and in caverns deep,
I heard rumors of a water that renews.
I met strange wild-eyed men whose souls burned with hope,
who claimed that each day is a momentous choice.
They spoke in hushed tones befitting confession,
and shone as if holding secrets within.
It did not seem what they offered was within
my frame of reference. Such stories wise and deep!
Different help was found in a shrugged confession
of ignorance: Though each glimpse of gold renews
desire, each poor man proves the value of hope.
Out of reach but in sight, it steered each day’s choice.
Driven by dreams, it seemed not to be a choice,
but an irresistible voice from within.
My ears heard truth, my own eyes saw signs of hope.
I was told by innocent women whose deep
faith destroyed me and set me free: “Mercy renews
itself daily. Faith waits for your confession.”
In chambers dark, I witnessed true confession--
saw a thief made a priest with that single choice.
I experienced how sharing faith renews
the Church--and longed to stay, had it been within
my power. Instead I searched o’er the unknown deep,
sailing to the world’s end to satisfy hope.
Coming face-to-face with love surpassed all hope.
For her, I wanted to make full confession.
But wishing alone could not make faith more deep;
“We find God not by our will, but by His choice,”
she said. So I too could have grace rise within
me, by trusting my fate to the God who renews!
He led me at last to a river that renews,
To the feet of Jesus Christ our blessed hope--
who gives us the kingdom of heaven within,
returns true life for our mere confession,
and ends all rumors with His name. What further choice?
I tasted His living waters, and drank deep.
His words became a spring of life deep within.
It refreshes my love, and renews my hope;
It murmurs confession, and thanks Him for His choice.
