Wrestling Angels

One of the stranger stories of the Bible is about Jacob wrestling with an angel. With almost no explanation of the why’s and how’s, Genesis 32:24-32 informs us that this patriarch spent all night wrestling with an angel, saying, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” He made that declaration even after the angel had touched the socket of his hip, perhaps putting it out of joint. In the end, Jacob got the blessing, though ever after that, he walked with a limp. I had that story in mind when I wrote this poem.

How to Wrestle Your Angel

Take time to ponder
last thought at night
first in the morning
squeeze it into a busy day
at odd moments
but don't let it go

Close the door to meditate
to read, to write
Go for slow walks
through streets and paths
and into the wild
camera receiving holy moments
Then mine the images
for meaning, for poetry

Get a good night's sleep
Lie down with prayer for dreams
then tussle with the dream 
till it gives up a blessing
Make art, make music
Dance like no one's watching
(because no one is)

Be unflinching in seeing yourself
Be awestruck in seeing God
everywhere you look
Travel in good company
Be grateful for sweet pilgrim friends
The blessing and the limp will come
one day at a time

by Celeste Boudreaux, March 2019

What is the blessing you seek in your life? What is it that will bring you a sense of abundance, inspiration and satisfaction in the most ultimate senses? What can you do to press in, to chase after, to wrestle for that blessing? And what price are you willing to pay for it?

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