Have you ever had that inverse Peter Pan feeling? That sense that you ought to have arrived at what appears to be the next level of maturity already, or that you should be doing so much more with your life by now? I know that I have. To the degree that this feeling flows from a desire to a better follower of Christ, I think it is healthy. However, I know that I also need to be reminded that God is in control of History, not me, and true maturity and Christ-likeness comes from following his blueprint, not my wishes.
The following poem from John Milton tackles this subject. Compared to some of his peers, Milton was a late bloomer. He did not immediately jump into the public eye once he was finished with his education. In fact, his greatest accomplishment, the great English Epic Paradise Lost, was not written until closer to the end of his life. Needless to say, Milton had some experience on which he could draw to discuss this topic.
The following poem is written in the form of a Sonnet. This means that it is only 14 lines long. The first 8 lines usually present a problem or question, and the last 6 provide a solution or answer. Additionally, the words must follow as specific cadence of naturally stressed and unstressed syllables, and the poem must follow one of a few specific rhyme schemes. Writing a good sonnet requires you to tackle life's questions in both a concise and precise fashion. Milton hits the nail on the head here, and I hope it brings both enjoyment and encouragement to your path!
Sonnet 7
How soon hath Time the subtle thief of youth,
Stol'n on his wing my three and twentieth year!
My hasting days fly on with full career,
But my late spring no bud or blossom shew'th.
Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth,
That I to manhood am arrived so near,
And inward ripeness doth much less appear,
That some more timely-happy spirits endu'th
Yet be it less or more, or soon or slow,
It shall be be still in strictest measure even
To that same lot, however mean or high,
Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heaven;
All is, if I have grace to use it so,
As ever in my great Taskmaster's eye.
