~ Psalm 103:2
This week I find it necessary to rely on the graciousness of my talented friend, Pat Barrett, who uses her gift of poetry to share life lessons and give glory to God.
(The photograph is also courtesy of Pat.)
November Contemplation
By Patricia Kohls Barrett
Some think you are barren
Since they see no green life
By your end, trees look naked
As having been through great strife
After wind shakes them loose
They shed their leaves all around
Then join rest of nature in sleep
Like the bulbs under ground
There is growth in your solitude
What appears lifeless is not dead
It is preparation for great splendor
In the warm spring months ahead
You’re the month of transition
Start with warmth, end with cold
Ease us all close to winter
When white flakes fall so bold
In the midst of transformation
We observe traditions of old
Gather together our families
Thankfully our hands we fold
You’re the advent of celebration
Of the season of peace
Folks are at best and worst
Gather, shop, share, and feast
You remind every mortal
Life is certain to change
We can’t hold any moment
That we try, is so strange
**********************
The Blessings are Always There
By Patricia Kohls Barrett
The blessings are always there
In the life of a child of God
It depends on his chosen focus
If he sees grace that is so broad
He can set his mind on problems
Center on what he doesn’t own
Wallow in pain and suffering
And pick to complain and moan
He can look for the glass to be half empty
And gaze around for what is not best
Find fault in what God had given him
Embrace seen troubles to his chest
Doing such he can miss all that’s good
That surrounds him on every side
And fail to behold his advantages
Miss opportunities he could have tried
This is a sad choice of unhappiness
Because attitude is within his control
On what he decides to center attention
Will determine if he meets a goal
He can decide with his Lord’s help
To direct thoughts to notice what’s right
Let God’s Spirit guide his viewpoint
With God’ Word adverse views fight
See on the reverse of undesirable
Are great blessings for him to unfold
As he sees God turn bad to good
He’ll find benefits worth more than gold
The blessings are always there
In the life of a child of God
It depends on his chosen focus
If he sees grace that is so broad
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!” ~ Psalm 30:11,12
