Fire and Light
Posted by Isaac Butterworth | Filed under Vision
“A fire in the heart and a light in the eye.”
The words come from John Denver’s song, “Wild Montana Skies.” I was in my car, on my way home from work, listening to the album, The Best of John Denver Live. I am sure that I had heard this song before, but on this occasion, it heard me.
Like many of JD’s songs, “Montana Skies” is a ballad. It tells about an orphan who grew up on the land and, then, for some reason, left the country life for the big city. (“He never told the story of the time that he was gone.”) But now he’s back.
There was something in the city that he said he couldn’t breathe
There was something in the country that he said he couldn’t leave.”
The refrain of the song amounts to the singer’s plea on behalf of this child, now grown up. One line in the plea goes like this:
Give him a fire in his heart, give him a light in his eyes .”
When I heard these words, I made a discovery. The song was giving voice to the longing of my own heart. There I was, behind the wheel, waiting for a traffic light to turn so that I could get home, and the words addressed me. They had my name on them. This was not only the song’s prayer; this was my prayer. I found myself yearning for passion (“a fire in the heart”) and for vision (“a light in the eye”). I wanted to feel deeply and to see clearly. I wanted to know what matters and to know how to give shape to what matters in the world in which I live.
I still do.
Photo credit: theregeneration
December 31, 2009 at 4:48 pm
“I wanted to feel deeply and to see clearly. I wanted to know what matters and to know how to give shape to what matters in the world in which I live.”
I think that it is called “enlightenment”.
Your Friend,
Lee
January 6, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Lee, thanks for the comment. I’m not sure I’ve attained enlightenment, but I am certainly open to it.
January 10, 2010 at 10:30 am
Lee, I am grateful for your comment. My very best to you in the year ahead.
December 31, 2009 at 9:20 pm
You always speak from your heart and it always as great meaning!
January 6, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Thank you, Sharon. Your kind and gentle words are well received.
January 10, 2010 at 10:30 am
Sharon, thank you.
December 31, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Ike- I enjoyed you sharing your heart! I concur with your thoughts and it made me want to listen to the song myself. Blessings to you in discovering your passion and vision in the year to come. Carrie
January 6, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Carrie, thanks. I am humbled by your words. May the year ahead bring blessing to you and your family as well.
January 10, 2010 at 10:29 am
Thanks, Carrie. I receive your word of blessing with gratitude.
January 6, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Beautiful insight!
January 10, 2010 at 10:26 am
Thanks, Carol.
January 21, 2010 at 10:54 am
Ike,
I hope you find your enlightment! You are my eyes to Jesus sometimes. When you speak your heart it opens mine. I found your website by accident and I love it . I hope you find your enlightment!
Love,
Michelle Crow
January 21, 2010 at 11:59 am
Michelle, thank you for your encouragement. You are a blessing to all who know you.
December 23, 2010 at 11:19 am
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