My friend, Zoë Elmore, included in one of her devotions a poem that really struck a nerve with me. Her statement, “We grow spiritually only from and through the trials that arrive on our doorstep,” echoed my prayer this morning. There are still some unresolved issues that are keeping me (and members of my family) on edge to see what God is going to do. But the best part is that we KNOW He has it under control. Enjoy!

 

   It’s sometimes very difficult

   for us to understand

   the wisdom and the love behind

   the things that God has planned.

   But we wouldn’t have the rainbow

   If we didn’t have the rain;

   We wouldn’t know the pleasure

   If we never tasted pain.

   We wouldn’t love the sunrise

   If we hadn’t felt the night;

   And we wouldn’t know our weakness

   If we hadn’t sensed God’s might.

   We couldn’t have the springtime

   or the yellow daffodil

   if we hadn’t experienced

   the winter’s frosty chill.

   And though the brilliant sunshine

   is something God has made.

   He knew too much could parch our souls

   so He created shade.

   So God’s given us a balance:

   Enough joys to keep us glad,

   Enough tears to keep us humble,

   Enough good to balance bad.

   And if you’ll trust in Him you’ll see

   Though yesterday brought sorrow,

   The clouds will part and dawn will bring

   A happier tomorrow.

 

1/8/08