praise

I sit at my desk
and think of back when.
I would sit down to write
and have paper and pen.
So many changes
in such a short time.
Perhaps that’s the reason
for this little rhyme.

Changes surround us,
some good and some bad.
Some make us happy
and some make us sad.
Sometimes change is helpful,
sometimes it does hurt.
Sometimes things need changed,
like my old, worn out shirt.

As I look out my window
there’s change in the air.
The beauty of autumn
makes me want to stare.
The colors are pretty,
the gold and the red.
But a day is soon coming
when the trees will look dead.

But looks are deceiving
when change is inside.
The beauty that grows
at times seems to hide.
We may go through seasons
when growth can’t be seen.
When the cold days of winter
are our only scene.

Yet autumn brings winter
and winter brings spring.
So the life that is hidden,
new beauty will bring.
What’s true in creation
is true for you too.
The days that seem darkest
could be making you new.

So when seasons of change
begin to arrive.
Look to the Father
to learn how to thrive.
Don’t let the dark days
fill you with despair.
Know that God’s beauty
will always be there.

His beauty is in you
throughout every season.
His love for His children
would be the real reason.
So live your life fully,
let His beauty show.
Then whatever the season,
His love you will know.

Praise God in the springtime
when you feel brand new.
Praise Him in summer
when you’re growing as you.
Praise Him in autumn
when life’s a beautiful scene.
And praise Him in winter
when His work seems unseen.

Praise Him through changes,
the big and the small.
Praise Him for growth
that He brings in us all.
Praise Him for goodness
He showers from above.
And praise Him for showing
the wonders of His love.

I was in my office when the first two sentences of this poem filled my mind as I thought about the days when I would actually write using paper and pen. It wasn’t until I typed those lines out that I realized there was an entire poem behind them. Change is inevitable but not all change is good. When we make changes of our own doing without listening to God, we can expect trouble to arrive somewhere down the road. But, we can be confident that when our changes are a reflection of God’s will and purpose in our life, He will bring great beauty from them. I pray that you would learn to praise God through every season of life. I pray that you would spend time with Him so that every change you make would be in obedience to His Word and His will. I pray that you would see the great beauty that God has created within you regardless of the season you feel you are in.

In prayer,
Tom

Outside of my window
it’s cloudy and gray.
But one thing I know –
it won’t stay that way.
I’ve lived long enough
to know this is true.
The gray skies will leave,
replaced by the blue.
Yet sometimes they linger,
seeming never to leave.
Then I must decide,
do I really believe?

Sometimes it is hard,
as darkness descends.
To think there is hope
that this ever ends.
Will sunny days come
and replace this gloom?
Or is the gray normal
as I view from this room?
That’s often the problem –
my point of view.
I need to refocus
and see things anew.

I know there is purpose
in skies filled with cloud.
And storms that do come,
with thunder so loud.
The rain and the snow
that gray clouds do bring.
Are part of the cycle
that cause birds to sing.
With only blue skies
and warm sunny days.
It’s the earth itself
that soon turns to grays.

Gray skies are one thing,
but what about me?
Do I get the point
when darkness I see?
Do I trust my Maker,
who shines up above,
To use times of darkness
to show me His love?
When my mind seems filled
with all of the grays.
Will His refreshing
still fill me with praise?

As I walk this journey,
there’s something I’ve learned.
The blue skies are given,
not something I’ve earned.
But even the darkness,
God works for my good.
To help me to grow
and live like I should.
I’m learning to trust Him
when I can’t see my way.
So that is the rain
in my cloud of gray!

As I was working on some sermon prep and watching some cardinals playing in the brush outside my window under some very gray skies, God put this poem in my mind. While I’m not fond of gray skies outside nor in my brain, I know God uses them for His purposes and will not waste the opportunity to bring growth in my life as I learn to trust Him fully. I pray that this poem is an encouragement to you and accomplishes His purposes for it.

In prayer,
Tom