This morning the 'valley' is dazzled in crystal gilt!
This Valley we sense with dread, that looms ahead, is no laughing matter,
but a dire prayer-priority!
But the God of the mountain is still God in the valley!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Not only on the hilltop where the view pleases our eyes
After we have come through the valley where the shadow lies
Where Faith in Who we cannot see puts courage to the test
And causes us to reevaluate our daily quest
Not only where we gaze, amazed at Mercy’s autograph
But where we bear the bittersweet brunt of both rod and staff
Where discipline is never pleasant in what it exacts
In order to attune us to more than opinion’s facts
Not only where we stare and paint the air with poetry
But beneath the dark scalpel that hones heart’s humility
Where we feel the way forward on faith-shards of stuttered prayers
And learn the love-language of trust stripped of religious airs
Not only where the panorama woos our oohs and aahs
But where we grope and cling to Hope and love’s unflinching Cause
To teach us not to worry but to find firm confidence
By giving God the glory through trust and obedience
Then, when at last behind us lies the valley we passed through
Whether in earth or Heaven, we will find God, kind and true
Where, better far than fleeting pleasure that never fulfills
Is Mercy’s hidden treasure that the peace of God instills
© Janet Martin
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I hope you enjoyed your pause on this porch and thank-you for your visit!