Life has been more than a handful
And living quite an uphill task
To some it has been beautiful
But to me, it has been a climb
And it seems the summit keeps
Receding, demanding more than
I planned and thought it’d take.
I’ve been tempted many a time
To turn back and head downhill
Hang my boots where I was struck
And marry the present since
Future has made itself a shadow
Visible but impossible to reach.
But no, I choose to keep going
Though it has been daunting
I chose to take at least, one step
Per time, even when it hurts
And my determination, not effort
Has brought me farther than ever
I could have made it on my own.
So here I am today, the summit
Still some ways to go, and instead
Of the scraggly fellow I could have
Been, battered beyond recognition
I stand here smiling though my belly
Rumbles still, smiling from a depth
Beyond the mockery of failure, way
Beyond the satisfaction of feats;
I’m so glad to be alive!
Life is the greatest gift of all,
Every other is secondary,
Every other is only for the living.
I may not have made it like my neighbor
Yet gratitude fills and spills
From my thankful heart, elated
To have made it to where I am now
And very much hopeful that come
What may, the summit which before
Seemed unattainable, draws closer
With every step I dare to take:
Come what may
I’m smiling all the way
To a dream that’s just a breath away.
It is the season to be merry. That doesn’t mean that all our challenges have melted away and will never return. In fact, if you allow them, you will barely be able to take a breath and exhale all the mounting pressures within. Yet, we must choose, to be driven by purpose, instead of the myriad issues demanding our attention. Job said that man is born to troubles. To the issues of life, there is no end. It is therefore left to you and me, to make that choice today and every other day, to look beyond all the disappointed expectations and failures and needs: to look up and see the sun rising in transcendent colors. To purposely reach out with a smile and let the beauty and brightness of this season wrap you in peace and joy unspeakable. What season you may be wondering? Whatever season you chose to make it: for me and my house, it is the season of joy.
Glory!