Till Ties Are Loosed

 A weekend with fresh awareness of so much to be thankful for.
Esp. 54 years, by the grace of God!
 These heartstrings were tugged every which way but loose this weekend...

Lots of birthday wishes, Facetime tugs, long warm hugs, (how I missed them!!)

treated to first meal I have not cooked since Covid-19 social distancing,

(thank-you Emily. Birthday supper was Delicious!!))

Sunday drive and a picnic by the lake (my birthday gift from Jim)

(and it was a sacrifice because he drives and eats out of a lunchbox all week)

Grand-child joy, second to none!

 Side-by-side sister chat by a camp-fire💗

 My, oh my, how Covid-19's social distancing has sweetened family-ties!

these ties that try and bind and loose

can be an anchor or a noose

they test the best of us in ways

that vexes acumen of gaze

yet stirs us to the utter core

with so much to be thankful for

...and oftentimes loss will remind

us to be more gracious and kind

and count the blessings love employs 

where hope refurbishes life's joys

and showers us from mercy's store

with so much to be thankful for

God intercedes on our behalf

and grants compassion's autograph

in ways we cannot comprehend

where flowers bloom and fruit trees bend

and we are humbled o'er and o'er

with so much to be thankful for 

these ties from God to where we are

do not reveal how near or far

we are from that most sacred bar

that tips the last grain from Time's jar

and spills into forevermore

with so much to be thankful for

...if by His grace we have been saved

through the awful pardon He braved

so through His death mankind may live

and ever, in this old world give

us reason to serve and adore

with so much to be thankful for 

...till ties are loosed and then for aye

without distraction or dismay

How beautiful worship will be

in God's forever family 

As without end his praise will pour

with so much to be thankful for

Janet Martin