Memorization

"My heart is ever at your service." from "Timons of Athens" by William Shakespeare

I saw this quote in the Sunday "Mutts" comics for Valentine's Day recently.  Were it as simple to be as loyal as a dog to his master.  

It got me to thinking about the Shakespeare acting class I took in 2001.  I had to memorize a Shakespearean sonnet.  Memorize‽  I couldn't even understand Shakespeare let alone memorize it.  Well, I didn't think I could hardly do it, but I was determined.  What happened in the process surprised even me.  I chose Sonnet #2--I can't even remember now why that particular one.  As I memorized each stanza I found I began to understand it so deeply that I eventually wrote three and a half of my own stanzas in response to what Shakespeare was saying.  He was going on about growing older--perhaps that's why it appealed to me--I'd just turned 50.  Here is an explanation of the sonnet:  Sonnet 2  

I begged to differ with Mr. Shakespeare's conclusion, hence my response, which is in italics:

SHAKESPEARE SONNET #2  

When forty winters shall beseige thy brow

And dig deep trenches in thy beauty’s field

Thy youth’s proud livery, so gazed on now

Shall be a tattered weed, of small worth held.

Then being asked where all thy beauty lies

Where all the treasure of thy lusty days

To say, within thy own deep-sunken eyes

Were an all-eating shame and thrift-less praise.

How much more praise deserved thy beauty’s use
If thou couldst answer, “This fair child of mine

“Shall sum my count and make my old excuse,”

Proving his beauty by succession, thine.

This were to be new made when thou art old

And see thy blood warm when thou feelst it cold.

Alas, even thine own child canst fulfill

The aching heart that longs to be made new

The barren ground awaits the plow to till

Just as the new mown grass drinks in the dew

And so for it to be made known to thee

To understand what lurks down deep inside

Thou must traverse the path beneath to see

To find the place where all thy fears reside

It is indeed a journey full of pain

And strewn with many stones and mountains steep

The sun bears down, the clouds release their rain

But soon the Way is found, sleep, ah, sweet sleep

Then wake to place upon thy altar bare

The only Perfect Love thou canst compare.

Then being asked where all thy beauty lies

Where all the treasure of thy lusty days

To say, within thine own joy-filled eyes

Were an All-creating Love and priceless praise.

This were to be new made when thou art old

And feel thy blood warm when thou seest it cold.                         --cgs (italics) March 2001

Frankly, I didn't know I had it in me to write poetry in the style of Shakespeare.  I'm sure it was because I was so immersed in trying to understand it (because otherwise I'd never been able to memorize it) that Shakespeare began to flow through me.  

This is why memorizing God's Word is important.  As we commit the words to memory our brains make a connection that enable us to recall it later.  It becomes such a part of us--like once you learn to type or ride a bike--you never really forget it.  It's there for you to draw on when you need its wisdom, but more importantly, you are able to act on the meaning of the words because the Holy Spirit uses them to guide and direct you. 

~

Father, You have created us with such amazing brains.  May I use it to glorify You in all that I do.  It, like my heart, is ever at Your service.

Link to scripture:  Philippians 4:8

Take action:   - Scripture Memorization System