I’m grateful for the jungles.
I’m grateful for the swamps.
I’m grateful for the battles—
and how I learned so much.
I’m grateful for the winter days.
I’m grateful for the blues—
The lessons learned in trials
are the ones I wouldn’t choose.
And yet they are the ones that
make me strong beyond compare.
With all that strength I couldn’t
draw from any other well.
I ran across this little poem when I was rummaging today. It may still need a couple tweaks, but I hope you enjoy!
The peaceKEEPER
preserves things as she finds them
And tries not to cause trouble.
Though not the instigator,
The peacekeeper is often part of the problem.
Sometimes she will do anything,
Even the wrong thing, to avoid
Fights, conflicts, fusses, strained feelings in the moment—
Without vision for the longterm impact.
But evil flourishes when people who can stand up, do nothing.
The peaceMAKER
Sees what needs to be and works at it.
She prays for wisdom—but doesn’t always get answers.
She works to reconcile people—and often fails.
She tries to speak truth—even when it scares her.
She recognizes that there are times
When she needs to make waves to make peace.
And she must stand up for what is right, even if it hurts her.
Anyone can love peace, but making peace?
That skill is painful, but worth learning.
It is dismal to sit
In the darkness.
In this place
There is nothing but tears.
All you hear is in
Whispers and mumbles
And your brain is
A knotted up sphere.
The words that you speak
Work against you.
The plans that you make
Come to naught.
The hopes that you have
Weigh down others.
And your helping hand
Sinks those you love.
In this place there is
Reason for sorrow,
But nights aren’t
As dark as they seem.
Hold fast to the Light
And a path will appear,
That is beautiful
Steadfast and true.
Angela Writes... 