A Rendezvous with Life
Illustration★★★★I am debtor. . . . So, as much as in me is, I am ready. Ro. 1:14-15 One of the most stirring poems born out of World War I was that of Alan Seeger, “A Rendezvous with Death.”
What a haunting melody is in the lines: 338 I have a rendezvous with Death At some disputed barricade When spring comes back with rustling shade, And apple blossoms fill the air. And what poignant memories as well: And I to my pledged word am true, I shall not fail that Rendezvous. We do not need to diminish our devotion to the memory of those who kept their rendezvous with death if we remind ourselves of our “Rendezvous with Lifes; Countee Cullen, the brilliant young Negro poet, has pictured it for us in Caroling Dusk.
1 quote a few lines only: I have a rendezvous with Life ... Though wet nor blow nor space I fear, Yet fear I deeply, too, Lest Death should meet and claim me ere I keep Life’s rendezvous. This rendezvous with life . . . implies a life that seeks creative labor, that recognizes relationships and contributes to the common good, life that finds its source and strength in God, that dares all in high endeavor toward a new heaven and a new earth. Such a rendezvous with life claims a quality of courage and devotion that only youth possesses.
Avery Albert Shaw 72> THE RACE OF LIFE Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1 co. 9:24 In the race of life three things must be considered—distance, direction, destiny.
In the distance, life stretches out before us. We do not fix the distance, but the prize must be won in the time allotted.
We do not fix the time limit, but we do determine the use of that time. Wisdom decides, “Life is a game; I will play the same with loftiest aim’—to the end. Next, we must know the direction in which we have to go. It must not be a hit or miss journey.
Life may have many interests, but there should be one steady purpose. An honorable, purposeful vocation in life enables the Christian to make progress toward God. At the end of life’s race is destiny. Like St.
Paul, we can deliber- 339 ately choose the right direction. A divinely inspired purpose, followed through to the end, obtains life’s crown.
The point
Combining Seeger's 'Rendezvous with Death' and Cullen's 'Rendezvous with Life,' true rendezvous means devoted creative service, contribution to the common good, and courage in high endeavor.