A Really Hard Lesson To Learn

Forgiveness

Each day as he was walking

Along the dusty road,

He was ever mindful;

He carried a heavy load.

The load was one he chose

To carry on his own;

Burdens he kept with him,

To no one were they shown.

Anger and resentment,

Embarrassment and pride;

They slowed his daily progress,

His comfort they denied.

Though he became more weary

With every passing day,

He did not put it down;

That was the weaker way.

His brother came along

And asked to take the load,

But he refused the help;

His heart had grown too cold.

So then as he trudged on

He met up with his fate.

The load became too heavy,

But now, it was too late.

While then it seemed much easier

To keep hard feelings in,

Refusing to forgive

Was yet the greater sin.

Safety and Peace

Rescue

A raging storm…

My footing isn’t steady;

Deep in my heart

I feel I am not ready.

The road seems long.

But I can see no other.

Despair sets in

But then I see my Brother.

“I’m here,” He says,

And gently lifts me up.

I’m not alone;

He shares my bitter cup

His arms are strong

He says He knows this place.

I cling to Him…

I’m safe in His embrace.

In my scripture study I came across Isaiah 46:4:

"And even to your old age, I am he; and even to hoar hairs (footnote says grey hairs) will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you".

The spirit taught me that the Savior truly does carry me through my adversities and trials; that I should not whine and complain or cry because something is hard. Instead, I should wrap my arms around the Savior and hang on for dear life...trusting that He and I together can make it through. It also taught me that others are “too big” for me to carry...physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually...I should “put them down” and allow the Savior to carry them. Then I trust; I should "stand still" and not walk behind Him to make sure He can handle carrying them for as long and far as is necessary. That was a very humbling, but very comforting lesson for me.

NOTE: While writing the poem I first had the 3rd to the last line reading: "He says He knows the way" and I was completely stuck on the last line. But the whole embrace thing came into my mind and then I realized it needed to be "He says He knows this place". I know that He knows the way...I know the way. "He knows this place" takes on a whole new meaning. I could feel that He knows this place I'm in right now.

Sometimes I Wish They Came With a Handbook

Balance

At times my heart is torn

Between helping you grow up

And rescuing you from life.

And in the process

Sometimes I make mistakes

And cause a bit of strife.

It’s easy to forget

While in my mind I think

I’m choosing what is best,

I need to let you

Make your own decisions

And figure out the rest.

Please be patient with me

This parenting is tough;

More than I thought perhaps.

And I have to learn to trust

That while I may mess up

God does fill in the gaps.

If Ever You've Been There...You Get It

This poem was my first. It came to me while I was desperately praying for something profound to share with a friend. I'd already spent hours searching and finally dropped to my knees to seek divine inspiration. I was so intent on getting an answer, that I had paper and a pen ready. When the answer came I had to write fast to get it all down. It wasn't until I actually read what I'd written, that I realized it was a poem.

Don’t Forget How Much I Love You

I know how painful it must be;

I know the hurt you feel.

My sacrifice for you was hard;

Believe me, it was real.

I understand the tears you shed,

The aching in your heart.

I promised Father I would come

And fully do my part.

I know the weariness you know;

An angel held me up.

I pled with Father–was there a way

To please remove that cup.

I cannot count the tears I shed;

I bled from every pore.

I did it because I love YOU

And I will forever more.

I know you feel you can’t go on,

Your heart is torn to pieces.

But keep these words and my picture close

To remind you “I LOVE YOU” – Jesus

We All Have Them

Lessons From Heaven

“It’s scary to think about leaving…

To go where I can’t see your face.

How will I ever return", I asked

"If I can’t remember this place"?

“I’ll give you lessons from Heaven”

He said with a smile in His eyes.

A sigh, then a look of confusion

Was all I could give in reply.

“Lessons to guide your return, child

To your home, this place you once knew

Trials to help you grow stronger

Don’t worry…I’ll be there for you”.

The lessons won’t be very easy,

Your heart will be aching with pain;

Some will seem harder than others,

Though not one will you learn in vain".

“You can do it”, he said as he hugged me;

“I know what you’re capable of.

You’re right…you won’t see my face

But child, I’ll send you my love”.