THE RIDDLE
by Lou Painter
When I was young, Success was certain.
My star was bright; I knew the path.
With Self-Reliance the Foundation, what I would build would last.
Then Life made me drowsy with whispers of Temptation.
My judgement wavered, my vision blurred,
And I awoke in a Soundproof Maze devoid of light.
Analyze. Compute. Again.
All my solutions failed.
There was no escape.
The friends I cared for vanished.
I lost all possessions. Time stopped.
I found no rest from Fatigue and no relief in Tears.
Emptiness and Loneliness were welded to my Soul;
Parasites that fed on my Confusion.
I had no answers.
I searched for Freedom until I became a Question that was numb.
Lost in a Swirling Haze, I was dead with eyes that blinked.
Then, in the stillness of the void, a Voice echoed:
Peace. Purpose. Everlasting Life.
I had heard these words before, but this time I listened.
And Love rescued me!
Jesus destroyed the maze that held me prisoner.
He banished the darkness that kept me blind.
He renewed my life and gave it meaning.
He cleansed my Soul and set me Free.
I am older now, but my success is greater:
Jesus is the star that shines brightest.
His will is the path I follow.
Reliance on my Father is my strength.
He is the Rock who guarantees my Joy forever.
It's summertime, nighttime, and
I'm standing in a field gazing at the stars.
When I see His constellations, this Riddle comes to mind:
Did I choose this path I'm taking,
Or was I led here by Design?
