Krista

When this pain defines me

When this ache won't end

The words you've left remind me

That you're not gone, my friend.

I cannot hear your laughter

I cannot see your face

I cannot find an answer

For why you've left this place

But when the darkness grips us

And as you embrace the light

When the shadows trick us

As we stumble through this night

Somehow we can see you

Through all you've taught us here

Truly, we believe you

And it frees our hearts from fear

When I peel potatoes (small ones)

or when I fold a fitted sheet

When I sing about the angels

When I put my boys to sleep

When I struggle with contentment

When I'm burdened by my work

When I fight with the resentment

of putting others first

Your spirit shines so brightly

It magnifies your words

You didn't live here lightly

What you said was heard

When I'm singing at the piano

When I'm dancing all alone

When I'm looking out the window

and longing for my Home

When I breathe a prayer at lunchtime

or as I brush my teeth

When I'm pinching pennies, saving dimes

and feeling worn and weak

When I'm hungering for mercy

Longing for His touch

I remember you, my friend

and how you taught me much

The memories that glow

they soothe me deep inside

They aid me in this struggle

Remind me not to hide

You longed to be transparent

It's how you chose to live

Your faith remained inherent

in all you said and did

And so we'll strain for mercy

Because you taught us to

We'll embrace the struggle

For that's what you would do

And "40 days" from now

or maybe 44.....

We'll find you taught us how

and that you still teach many more

JM 2016

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.-Psalm 23:4 NKJV

So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are SMALL POTATOES compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.- 2 Cor. 4:17-18 (The Message)