By Emi Iwanaga

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
 With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; 
my body also will rest secure…
You will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

TICKLING THE IVORIES

In the midst of distasteful surroundings, events.
Beyond successful efforts, productivity.
The fruit of the spirit is joy.

In the awareness of God.
On holy ground, bowed heart.
The posture to receive joy.

In the clasp of entelechy, realization, actuality.
He in me and me in Him, God’s presence.
An entelechy which evokes joy.

In this world yet as if in heaven, a thin place.
He lives and loves, His realm.
A thin place which emanates joy.

In stillness before Him,
Heart dances and skips, tickling the piano ivories
A melody which resounds joy.

The Creator and the Great I Am,
He who is love, makes His presence known.
Yes, His presence, therein lies joy.
A joy that leads to skipping and dancing, tickling the ivories.
Making a song of praise in ones heart.

Emi Iwanaga served thirteen years as a missionary in Amazon Valley in Brazil, over 20+ years as a children’s ministry director, women’s ministry director, and pastor’s wife, and is currently a spiritual director.