Cascading Grace ~ a Poem for a New Year

 

Snow is glistening ~ a beautiful sight,

It sparkles like diamonds in the light.

My children delight in winter’s magic,

No flakes on their pink tongues would be tragic.

Memories of kids unwrapping gifts, before

Red stockings and toys are strewn on the floor.

Turkey bones now boiling, bread dough's rising,

My kitchen’s in need of some revising.

But, I steal moments to think back in time,

Reminiscing of this past year, sublime.

On this eve of another year so new,

Look back, see our blessings are far from few.

The memories aren’t all good, don’t be naïve,

We’ll savour them all, on this New Year’s eve.

We have much to give thanks for, don’t you see?

Grace upon grace has been poured out for me!

In my journal, I survey things I wrote,

Many wee blessings were worthy to note.

Over 1000 gifts in twenty twelve,

Thanks to the Giver, in this I did delve.

Why, you may ask do I look back to see

This part of the journey laid out for me?

I recall the past events of this year;

They remind me how my God is so near.

This! This! It is the snowflake that glistens

On her lash, and their laughter. I listen.

It is the daily bread on which we feed,

The Bread of Heaven who knows all my need.

Skating on ice, walks on the lake, the heat

Of the wood stove, snow quincy, coffee sweet.

The warmth of my boy snuggled up to read,

Love notes, a meal for a sister in need.

Love of a lifetime, and chai tea with spice,

Notes from my son, my daughter’s help, so nice.

A bright day to celebrate, rings in ears,

Learning to surrender all of my fears.

His hands, His feet, the sun every morning,

New life, peace that passes understanding.

Making love a verb, the goodness of God,

Fingers dancing on the piano, awed.

Routines, relationships, redemption, rest,

Sharing my testimony of hope, blessed

With active children, beautiful sunsets,

Morning walks, whipped cream on berries, rosettes.

Serving together and a week at camp

Elders who care, tanned children, hair damp.

Beauty of songbirds, sand between my toes,

Precious time in the early, dark shadows.

Freedom in Christ, read alouds, quiet time,

The hammock, swings, fresh sheets off the clothes line,

Peas in the garden, little golden locks,

Crystal Lake, stars at midnight on the dock,

Potty training, picnics, a new baby,

Watching the moon rise, medical hist’ry

All those years ago when I was just three.

By His amazing grace, I’ve been set free.

Little ones counting, playing hide and seek,

Monday mornings, a start to a new week.

Strength from the Lord, hope in difficulty,

Messiness of life made into beauty.

Steadfast love, mercies every morning new.

Daughter 11, my little one 2.

My son, seven this year, on Halloween.

He likes his pumpkin pie with out whipped cream.

Watching caterpillars transform into

Beautiful butterflies, away they flew.

Phone calls from doctors, trips to the city,

Medical tests, and no heart surgery.

Sharing my story ~ the work He’s begun,

All the help I’ve received, I am undone.

I have been blessed in extravagant ways,

It speaks of His love. I give Him my praise.

Walking through autumn leaves, tea with a friend,

13 years together ~ honoured to spend

life this way, being held by my husband.

My weakness, His strength; in wonder I stand.

And now this year is drawing to a close,

We look to the cradle, the cross, He rose.

He who gave His own Son that we might live,

Will He not also all things graciously give.

I don’t know what twenty thirteen will bring,

To His cascading grace surely I cling.

With thanks I look past as trust it will build,

To live by faith in His promise fulfilled.

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Happy New Year from our family to Yours!

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