Poem May 9, 1988 Issue

Teachable you

Beverly Jean McCreary

Jesus joined Simon on the ship and asked him to
"thrust out a little from the land."
And there he taught.
After the lesson, again some words to the wise:
"Launch out into the deep, and
let down your nets for a draught."

Christian seeker, could Christ's call be any meeker?
More than simple suggestions to fishers of fish,
these words are commands to fishers of men!
Let us listen and obey!
Begin with that thrusting out a little—
from matter-thoughts, the "I cannots,"
fearful woes, ugly throes of pain and sin.
Just begin.

And with that thrusting out, remember who is there on board!
Christ has entered with you, and propels you, safely.
Now, removed from mortal shore,
allow yourself the honor of adoring God.
Hear Christ's teaching.
When message is all clearly said, then
"Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets
for a draught."

If, like Simon, you sigh over an entire night of
fishless fishing, remember that he obeyed anyway.
("... nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.")
This done, your "multitude of fishes" will surely come.

Thrust out, dear one.

Beverly Jean McCreary

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