Chasing Shadows

I thought I saw you today
At least I thought it was you
It was just a glimpse, but it was so beautiful
I ran to be sure
Through the city streets, between buildings and doorways
Faster and faster I ran, but you never slowed
Until I got tired, and stopped running
And I slept

I thought I heard you today
At least I thought it was you
It was only for a second, but it was so soothing
I ran to be sure
Through the trees and the branches, into the clearing and pastures
Faster and faster I ran, but you never slowed
Until I got bored, and stopped running
And I left

I thought I smelled you today
At least I thought it was you
It was only for a second, but it was so fragrant
I ran to be sure
Through the hills and the valleys, along the side of a raging river
Faster and faster I ran, but you never slowed
Until I got scared, and stopped running
And I backed away

I thought I tasted you today
At least I thought it was you
It was only for a second, but it was so sweet
I ran to be sure
Through the busy intersections, by the flashing signs and shop windows
Faster and faster I ran, but you never slowed
Until I got distracted, and stopped running
And I chased something else

I thought I felt you today
At least I thought it was you
It was only for a second, but it was so comforting
I ran to be sure
Through the streets of my neighborhood, and the rooms of my house
Faster and faster I ran, but you never slowed
Until I got angry, and yelled
“Why won’t you stop for me?!?”
And I hear you say, “Turn around”
When I did, you were there
By my side the entire time
And I had been chasing a shadow.


inspired by a sermon in Colossians 2 by Tommy Phillips at Watermark Church on May 9, 2010