Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Don't write about the song) (04/16/15)
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TITLE: All Good Things | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ann Stocking
04/23/15 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
A friend came to visit one day.
To and fro, his eyes darted, looking pretty disheartened,
Regarding my home with dismay.
“My friend,” he intoned with almost a groan,
“This isn’t quite what I’d presumed.
It’s no country estate with a wrought-iron gate,
And oak trees and flowers in bloom.
It saddens my soul, to see you so low.
Living in hardship and need.
The delights I’ve pursued, and the treasures I’ve accrued;
I’ve been blessed beyond measure, indeed.
I wear exquisite cologne; of silk, my shirt’s sewn,
My windows are draped in brocade.
Walnut and teak, Sheraton antiques,
And Wedgwood china displayed.”
I had to agree, “It’s a great life you lead,
With assets and holdings and chattel.
Though I’ve naught to compare, I feel no despair;
Just a humble life caring for cattle.
No whittled bedstead, just a place for my head,
Wild roses perfuming the breeze.
I’m glad for my coat, a scarf for my throat,
Dry wood ‘neath my kettle of tea.”
Still not convinced that my blessings exist,
He continued to regale me some more:
“Galleries of art, manicured parks,
Magnificent, and mine to explore.”
I said, “Look about. See if you doubt,
Each petal and stone and green vine,
Good grass in the pasture, inscribed by the Master,
His name on each cloud in the sky.”
A pitying moan: “Don’t you feel alone,
With no comfort or ready affection?
Why, I have my Sue, and friends, not a few,
A church full of folk for direction.”
I reckon he believed I should feel aggrieved
By my life so deserted and rough.
With a smile, once again, I tried to explain,
“My Lord pours out more than enough.
A full belly each night, in dusk’s fading light,
Wood smoke, like incense, a balm.
The prairie’s my church, edged by poplar and birch;
Gentle lowing of cows, a sweet psalm.
The aurora’s bright shimmer, the coffee pot’s simmer.
Dinner’s a trout from the lake.
And don’t ever fear, my Lord’s ever near,
My Shepherd, with each step I take.”
With good-natured ease, sipping smoke-sweetened tea,
We pondered our pathways together.
He, on brick roads, and I, trails roam,
Both mighty content with our treasures.
I’d not be well pleased, to be hurried and squeezed,
In a well-mannered house, fancied up.
Nor would he care for possessions so spare,
Two shirts, three socks, a tin cup.
We saw eye-to-eye, as we waved our good-byes,
Convinced we were evenly favoured.
Perfect gifts from above, lavished with love,
From the One who never will waiver.
No sense begrudging or hastily judging
What we deem to be lowly or grand.
Just keep your own tally, giving thanks gladly
For the blessings received from His hand.
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Well done!
God bless~
Another worthy win! Good for you.
God bless~