Rose Bush

Do you see the rose bush in bloom?
The bright red petals speaking of life
The thorns speaking of challenges
That rose to me represents life

The red for the blood that runs through our veins
Without which no life would remain
Do you see the thorns on the rose?
Thorns like the troubles  through which we go

The Rose, so vibrant, so strong, and in bloom
Much as we are when on the wings of our dreams
No matter the troubles that pull at the seams
Our life is vibrant and in bloom

Do you see how like the rose which survives through the seasons
We also survive despite all the reasons
We are at times fragile like the velvety petals
And yet we still manage to weather

Do you see that like the rose has its thorns
That we are also sharp and prickly
Like the thorns on the rose
We hurt those that try to get close

Do you see how we manage to survive
Like the seed beneath the winters cold ground
Appearing dead to those around
And yet each spring the seed bursts forth into new life

Do you see how we renew our lives
As we come back from our troubles
We grow and blossom and burst forth like new
Can you see how that is true of me and you

Like the beautiful vibrant rose
Which blossoms as it grows
We also blossom and burst forth anew
And stronger because of what we go through

Embarking on the Journey

As I embark
On this life's journey through the dark
And dreary landscape of my mind
Never knowing what I'll find
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

I need that security
In all of life's uncertainty
Don't let go or let me fall
As I attempt to give this life my all
Hold my hand, please hold my hand
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

As I travel across this land
Trying to live a life that's not bland
Doing the best that I can
Trying not to lose the plan
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

My mind can be a scary place
As I try to find my way through this rat race
Trying to navigate life's pits
And knowing that I just quite don't fit
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

The landscape of my mind is ever changing
And I'm forever rearranging
My life's priorities
And realities
Trying to find what's really me
Checking all that I see
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

Don't ever let go
I need the security to know
That you have a hold of me
Even when I fail to see
Your presence is all around
Even when I feel I'm headed toward the ground
Hold my hand, please hold my hand
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

I know that you are always with me
And your truths are my reality
Help me not to doubt in me
But to trust in the things that I can't see
Becoming who you want me to be
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

I often get so weary
And at times very teary
As I struggle with my mind and the lies
Sometimes I even think I want to die
So Hold my hand, please hold my hand

Don't let go and let me fall
For when I have given it my all
I get exhausted and need to rest
Living within your love and tenderness
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

And help me find the strength to stand
And I will stand with you hand in hand
As I walk through this world
Learning how to navigate with you by my side
Hold my hand, please hold my hand

As I embark on your purpose for my life
Learning to live above the strife
Trusting in you to be enough
I learn to live within your love
Hold my hand, please hold my hand
Hold my hand, please hold my hand.
 

Leaves

As the tree drops its leaves
Blowing on the breeze
The babies flutter around
Making little sound
Once green and full of life
Now multicolored and letting go of life
The leaves look back on memories
Memories of times past when people would sit and rest
Resting from the days activities
The leaves would offer shade
And respite from heat
Protection from falling raindrops
And the leaves think back
And recall all the people tall and small
Those that cried beneath the tree
Those that laughed and were full of glee
The leaves have great memories
They have seen life and death
And every time people bereft
The leaves release their hold of life
And drop, dropping to the ground
Barely making any sound
Covering the forest floor
Knowing that life is no more
But also knowing they will fertilize the land
And be raked up by loving hands
Used to create great piles
Where children can jump and play all day
The colors vibrant and bright
Bringing the forest to light
All the many leaves
They enjoy the final part of their journey
Knowing that in the spring
The cycle begins all over again
The leaves come to rest
Knowing that they have fulfilled their purpose
May we only be like the leaves
And bring about the end of our journey with peace
And great memories
Of a life fulfilled
And fully lived
The leaves don't question their purpose or ponder why
They just live their lives as time passes by
Enjoying each new day
Knowing it as simply a stop among the way
No worries, no troubles
There is much to be learned from the leaves
How they reach to the sky
Stretching high, basking in the warmth of the sun
Yet turning as the wind and rains come
Yet still holding strong
And knowing their purpose
Should we only remain that strong
Knowing how to blow with the wind
Through the storms of this life
And let go of all the negativity and strife
Remaining true to our purpose
Those are the lessons we could learn from the leaves.

How are you blind to the things in this life?

I asked you yesterday how you were blind to the things of this life. I promised to post mine so here it is.

I would say I am blind when I get caught in the daily grind and forget to stop and see the many gifts of others and myself. Blind when I fail to notice my many blessings. Blind to the truth when I get caught in the tangled thoughts of my distorted mind. Blind when I fail to look at my niece and don't notice the pure innocence of childhood. Or when I fail to take time to engage in play for a few moments with the puppy.

Blind when I am so wrapped up in myself that I see nothing else. Not seeing or caring about the people around me, missing the gift of having each one in my life.

Blind when I fail to see God's hand at work in my life through the many daily gifts that he presents to me, such as the beauty of nature.

But I am not blind when I intentionally and on purpose look for the things that I would otherwise fail to notice in the rush of life. Savoring every second, every moment, and not rushing headlong to the next thing.

Simply noticing. Simply being. Totally engaged. Receiving many blessings when I am not blind to see them.

I become blind when I become self absorbed, and nothing else matters. But when I look beyond me, I find that then is when I can truly see.

Truly seeing opens up a whole new world to explore, and allows me to truly be thankful for all things.

Then I am not blind.