This post is an updated version of a post I wrote nearly four years ago. The poem was first published on my former blog May 3, 2015. It reminds us to slow down and enjoy life. We know that time is always ticking away.
Sometimes we work so hard that we forget to play. We get busy rushing and life just goes on by.
The poem was dedicated to my good friend, Marvia Davidson. She inspires and helps us to see the importance of not so much striving, but learning to be. Marvia encourages us to live authentically, fully trusting in God, who is always with us. Thank you, Marvia!
A Time for Everything
Yes, there is a time for everything, even death. There is a time for sorrow as we grieve the loss of our son. We grieve, but in the midst of our grief, we need to be still, to recognize that God is with us in our pain. He knows the depth of our sorrow and understands.
Even in the midst of sorrow, we search for joy in our everyday lives. We treasure the wonderful memories we have, knowing we will see our son again. Now we are separated, but he is well and in no more pain. He would want us to slow down and enjoy each moment of life, to find the wonder in the simple things.
How are you spending your time each day? Do you feel rushed and overwhelmed?
Wouldn’t it be nice to slow down, to be fully present in the moment, to see God’s hand at work in our everyday lives?
During this Christmas season, let’s take time to slow down, to be thankful, to show kindness and love and encourage others to be still and wonder.
I’m linking up with: #InspireMeMonday
Dear Gayl,
Thank you for reposting this tonight. I don’t think I read the original post, but it flows so beautifully now. Life is such a precious gift, and even in the grieving there are such moments of beauty. Thank you for sharing that beauty here, especially in your poem too. I appreciate so much the stanza where you have joined “wander” with “wonder.” May I keep my heart open to see His gifts of wonder in these days. Love you Dear poet/sister/friend! Xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you so much for your encouragement and your prayers. Yes, may God help me to see the wonder in every day. Stephen would want me to do that. Much love to you with many blessings! xoxo
Beautiful, true words, Gayl. God is so good to slow us down enough to sit at His feet, isn’t He? So often, I don’t even realize I am striving, till He causes me to stop and be still. BTW those snow flakes falling on the screen are incredible. What a touch of wonder right there.
May God continue to shower you and your family in precious, unexpected gifts as you grieve, Gayl. Sending hugs.
I hadn’t ever come across Marvia’s blog: just had a quick look. Full of love and grace. Thank you for linking to her site.
I, too, sometimes don’t realize I am striving and God has to slow me down. I’m glad you enjoy the snowflakes. I love how they look. Thank you for your love and prayers, dear Anna. God is so good and faithful to us. Marvia is such a dear and you are right. Her words are full of love and grace. Much love with many blessings to you! xoxo
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, Gayle. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the love you have for him.
The verse from Ecclesiastes is one that my husband and I had read at our wedding. It is a good reminder to slow down and appreciate each day God has given us.
Thank you for your kind words, Laurie. I really love that passage in Ecclesiastes. You’re right, it is a great reminder to appreciate the days God gives us. Blessings to you!
This is a beautiful poem, and I agree, time moves so quickly. It’s important to have moments to slow down and be grateful.
Thank you for your comments, Lesley. Yes, it is so important to slow down, to realize how much we have to be thankful for even in our pain. Blessings to you!
I am sorry about your loss. I like the last line of the poem. About learning to play. Which is hard to do when faced with loss. Keep looking for that wonder.
Thank you, Theresa. I will definitely keep looking for the wonder. It’s there every day, but sometimes I have to look harder. Blessings to you!