September 12
Inspiration
I am thankful for inspiration. Inspiration is defined as something that causes, guides, communicates or motivates us. Inspiration can come from other people, from things, or from a divine influence. I sometimes feel inspired from simple things such as waking up to a beautiful sunny day, having time to play a little golf, listening to music, worshipping, looking at art or photography, or simply relaxing contemplation. I am especially inspired by people that have overcome difficulties. I am inspired by the love of God.
This is a photo of a lighthouse on the California coast between San Francisco and Monterrey that my good friend Larry and I came upon on a drive down Highway 1 to see the Pebble Beach golf course while we were in San Francisco for a Clinical Chemistry meeting. I believe this is the Pigeon Point Lighthouse which is 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay. The lighthouse below is on Lake Buchanan in Texas.
I wrote the following poem in 2001. The second part is based on actual events that happened to a friend of mine from graduate school. It was discovered that she had a brain tumor which required surgery, however, the surgery did not go well and she nearly died. Fortunately, she survived. Because of her disability, she had to give up her career as a research biochemist but took up a career in art. She is doing very well and is very talented. That is inspiration. See her work at http://www.susantalbothoffmann.com/. In the poem, I pass on what she described to me about her time in intensive care.
lighthouse
i’m tossed about
in my journey
my journey of life
danger looms at every turn
amid the tumult & strife
pridefully steering my own course
i’m captain of my soul
let no one say that i
cannot reach my own goal
though left to the tide
i am but a speck upon the sea
i am helpless
that is my reality
rocks threaten to dash me
as the waves erupt against them
they threaten to crash me against the shore
capture me
beat me
and more
i flirt with danger
and steer for the rocks
but the lighthouse of Your love
illumines the safe path
shows the way to live
shows the way to give
and if i let you steer
You guide the way
to a safe harbor near
she lay in a place
somewhere between death and life
she grasped to hold on to herself
as she struggled in her fight
and she was suddenly in a corridor
showered in a blinding ray of white light
clean and pure she was at peace
in this newfound and wondrous sight
and a voice said
she could return
or she could stay
but her place on earth
would never be the same
she would be a lighthouse
protected forever from harm
her life would be held
in wondrous and loving arms
and likewise
columns of light from her
would emanate around the world
her light would forever be
a safe haven for all to see
i knew her before
and i knew her then
i know her after
my inspirational friend
her life took a detour
on a path she had not before seen
higher up the mountain
she climbed to new heights
where the air is rare and clean
and the lighthouse that guides us
also asks that we
serve too as a lighthouse
for others to see
we are guided by the One
that stands stately on the shore
though with less grandeur
but as noble an intent
we stand to guide others
with our own light
on the journey we have been sent.
© rt tulley
