Now and Then...

There are times when 

Anna's frustration 

and my own, 

crash and its not a pretty sight!  

She is physically stronger than I.  

And here we were,

 standing in a public place, 

looking like the struggle we were

...her pulling one way, 

and I the other

....she was winning!  

Several cars stopped to see 

if we needed help (groan).  

I think she wanted to

get in the car with one of them!

I don't know how I got her back

 to our car, but I did.

When we got there,

 I was so angry with her

...and she does not understand why.

I don't understand why. 

 She is not intending to make a point, to bring me 

down, to lead me to this point of frustration.  

This lack of "control" I feel,

does that, and it shows its face, 

now and then.

The greatest temptation I face, 

is to not incorporate her special needs,

 into my daily life on the OUTSIDE of things.  

Going to the store, the library, out to eat...  

Its not always difficult, just now and then. 

 I'm not saying that its easy, 

but the more I do it,

 the easy it does become

...some times, even enjoyable. 

And I realize, that sometimes this now and then, 

if I let it,  could stop me from the going on.  

And I know, that there is so much more 

I learn about myself, 

when I get through these times,

and she looks at me with those sweet eyes,

 asking me (in her non-verbal way)

if I'm okay.

And this walk of life, has those 

"now and then" moments, 

but there is so much more, 

than the bumps we pass 

through that define us.

I stop, and I remember

 that life is too short to be 

be focused on the bump, 

I just passed over.  

And we are taking this path together, 

on this beautiful day. 

 And I'm so thankful she is with me.  

My eyes are looking straight on, to the 

ONE who knows where the road ends.  

And MY NOW, has become WHEN HE speaks,

I'm with you...and THEN, I just keep walking.

A Profound REST

I have seen a rest profound, 

a tranquil constant peace

Each time I hear that inner voice

 and all my strivings cease

A secret learned through lessons taught

 by difficulties real

To lean not on the strength my own

 and trust not how I feel

Each time He led me through a trial

 experience did gain

To count all joy the hardship 

and embrace with faith the pain

And hope became that anchor

 strong to hold my reeling soul

And know beyond a shadow’s doubt

 my Lord was in control

The treasure gained from buffeting 

new freedom from all care

Assured the same good providence

 would every time be there

And from sure hope a grateful calm

 serenity was found

As He became my confidence

 my own mind became sound

~Am