Friday, June 27, 2008

Precious Gifts From The Heart



Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows. Consider it pure joy, my dear ones, whenever you face trials of many kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be complete not lacking anything, If you lack wisdom, ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault.
James 1: 17, 2-5


Lord, I wish for roses,
Perfuming my day.
For, walking on a petal strewn path
Would be such a happy way.

But, I find I don't have all I wish;
At least not, yet, awhile.
For, would You be desiring something better,
Found through a deeper trial?

Do you keep me from knowing all,
For, too much I'm unable to contain?
Are You showing me there's greater joy,
In learning faith through pain?

Are You letting me know a darkness,
So I will seek Your light;
To search until I find You, as the door,
To escape the gloom of night?

Will You allow me these limitations,
So I can learn the more,
Just as a jewel will shine
When tumbled to remove a flaw?

In new challenges that descend,
Shall I find You of a truth?
Will I learn, then, how to trust Your love,
Rather than all I can and cannot do?

Would You let me struggle,
To find the answers You can give?
And, if I ask, will You bestow the wisdom
That I will need to live?

For, if things don't come my way,
Will I learn a grateful heart;
To enter into a real joy,
For contentment that will last?

Is this key of gratitude,
What turns the bad things into good,
So that troubles become a blessing;
To grow just as I should?

For, life is such a journey
Where I may feel betrayed.
But, what understanding will I learn for others,
That are crying in the shade?

If it wasn't for the times
I learn my God is near,
I wouldn't know where to find the strength;
With faith to persevere.

For, everything I cannot know
Gives me so much to learn
And all the things I don't have, yet,
Become an expectant hope to yearn.

So, take me on Your path, dear Lord,
With Your roses, all the way.
Shower me with the loving gifts
That You have planned, today.

Give me, from Your heart of love,
All that You say to give away.
Shall I, then, thank You
For the heartaches, Lord?
For, they are really Your bouquet.


Anon