I collected some poems,
      formed into a book.
I sent them away,
      for a publisher’s look.
“No one likes poems,
      at least not to buy.
For us to publish it,
      we’d rather not try.”
They passed on some info
      and welcome advice.
To print it myself,
      I didn’t think twice.

Sometimes we give up
      what we’re called to do.
When our first efforts
      end up falling through.
We don’t like persistence,
      or suffering long.
When God says to do it,
      then a “No” is just wrong.
We give up too easy
      when our way seems to fail.
We should listen to God
      and the rest of the tale.

I have no doubt,
      that these poems I must share.
So when a door closes,
      I must look elsewhere.
I may not know why,
      and may never see.
A different way’s better,
      or God’s teaching me.
God loves His children,
      and He wants us to know.
He sees where we’ve been,
      and where we should go.

Yes, there’s a lesson
      that God wants to give.
In the midst of rejection,
      just how should we live?
To reject what you’re doing,
      may be hurtful, that‘s true.
But it’s just not the same,
      as rejecting you.
So how do you take it,
      when your way doesn’t fly?
And you’re left uncertain,
      and wondering why?

Look past the surface
      at what is unseen.
Examine your heart first,
      make sure it is clean.
Selfish desires
      and motives not pure.
Can ruin a plan,
      of that I am sure.
When you’ve looked deeply
      at what is inside.
Then hold tight to Jesus
      and enjoy the ride.

When you find yourself
      in the other shoes.
Pay close attention
      to how you share the news.
Perhaps you must say no
      to what’s asked of you.
Then make your best effort,
      to share what is true.
Truth hurts for a moment,
      until we do see.
God’s truth always longs for,
      the very best in me.
©

 It is an exciting day as I’ve been working on a sermon for tonight and continuing work on a book.  As I took time to rest in the recliner, God put this poem in my mind as I considered the process of getting a book printed and the helpful advice and contact links I received from a publisher even though they rejected the manuscript I sent them.  While I thought that would have been the easy way to get the book printed, God continues to give me peace that the whole process is in His hands — and His hands are just as capable of getting these poems printed as they have been in giving them to me.  I pray that you fully seek God in all your ways and that He would carry you through when it seems like people reject your ideas and  plans.

In prayer,
Tom