A White Horse
Journey of the Magi
And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow.
“The angel answered me, ‘These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.” (Zechariah 6:5)
The color white generally stands for righteousness; the horse galloping away probably symbolizes death to the old ways with the coming of Christ. In Eliot’s own life, his conversion also symbolizes his own new life in Christ and the passing of his old ways. Despite the long journey, the poet finds the trip worthwhile.
The Magus had the rare privilege of seeing the Old Order pass away with the coming of the Savior. As they exit the spiritual desolation of their former lives and enter into the verdant valley, they know that they were right to ignore the voices that whispered, “All is folly.”
Now that I have passed four years of spousal caregiving, I sometimes ask myself if the journey was worthwhile. It was hard; it was long. What did I gain from it? Not only did I fulfill my marriage vows, but I also learned that God was capable of supplying the strength I needed at the exact moment I did.
REFLECTION:
What insights have you gained from your own difficult journey that can move you forward to the next journey?
I was my late husband's caregiver in 2006 before he passed from pancreatic cancer. Each day, God gave me what I needed for the day. It was Christmastime when he was nearing the end. At night, he lay in his hospital bed in our tiny living room, while I slept with one eye open on the sofa. The only light illuminating the room was that of our Christmas tree. Toward the end, each day we thought was the day, but it wasn't. He didn't die on a family member's birthday, or Christmas Day. He left us on December 27. Each day, I knew I was given my "daily bread". He provided what I needed when I needed it.
Very inspired!