Friday, November 2, 2007

Watching

Several years ago...

while going through a very tough time in our lives and in Jonathan's life, I wrote this poem.

I share it today for several friends of mine who are struggling right now.

Watching...

God it is so hard just watching...
Watching him walk away from You.

Knowing You see all
You are watching also.
I know You see the end that I cannot see
So... there is no worry in Your watching.

I keep hoping in my watching
to see him return.
No more time wasted.
No more days lost.
No more grieving for his hurt
that self-inflicted hurt.

Watching...for it to be over
for freedom again.
Abundant life.
Life he was created to live.
Life testifying of You and Your glory.

Lord, I am watching
hurting (for him)
hoping
knowing...rejoicing will come.

Lord...keep watching!


And today we are rejoicing... we have our son back. Not literally - as he is currently in Kuwait/Iraq. But we have him back. And we rejoice to see how God is using him in so many ways. Even the hard times can be used to help others going through similar situations.

I share this to give hope - and to let you know that we understand from a parent's perspective. Jonathan is sharing with many from his perspective... and God is using it. With more people than he even knows...as I get reports from others who are reading his blogs and comments.

So, for my Jon....
We are so proud of you. Not only for the service that you are giving to us all as you defend our freedoms. But also, for your willingness to be transparent with your life.

The apostle Peter - had to be sifted as wheat - but Jesus said to him..."Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32)

You too, have been sifted... how precious to know that our Savior prayed for you (He kept watching). And now, that you have turned back.... you are to strengthen your brothers! And that is what you are doing....Keep on keeping on my son!

(And..... as I have heard Beth Moore share in her Bible studies.... remember that you do not have to ALWAYS go on the field trip to learn a lesson.... Sometimes, just learn from the Book!)

Love to you my Jonathan...

Love to you my friends...

Keep watching....
Knowing that our Savior is watching and praying!





6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely poem. It is funny. I remember telling my mom that I loved her more than she loved me when I was about 10 years old. She gently replied, "That is impossible." Until I had my own boys, I did not understand why she said that. Now I know. The only love greater than a parent's for their child is God's love for His! Thank You for sharing your poem!

Darlene said...

I think that I am who this is meant for. I am thankful for friends like you who are willing to share the hard times you have been through and by seeing that he is back the hope that I have that this will happen for us. Yesterday, I felt there was so much progress and then today I feel 10 steps backwards. I know this is day to day and will be for a while. At least we are talking and having a family devotion each night. Thanks for the encouragement and keep praying. God is working in our family!

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful!! thank you!

candace said...

i love that poem. Isn't funny how God will give you something so great during such a hard time in your life. I remember when Mike's mother died, Brantley had never experienced death and she was very close to her grandmother and did understand death or cancer. Brantley was 9 years old and she wrote the most beautiful poem about her grandmother and life that she lived the night she died. We all broke down when we read it. God gave her that poem in her heart to share the all the family that was hurting so terribly. She has never written anything that easily since. You know in school you have to write papers and poems, etc. But none have come so easily and been as moving.
Praise Him all your days (good and bad).
candace

Jessie said...

That is beautiful. I didn't remember that particular Bible verse. Thanks for the encouragement you give to us all!

Hal said...

Hey Doll,
You blog is great.
Love you,
Me