Gladness (in spite of sadness)

Today's prompt for poem-a-day from Robert Lee Brewer offers endless options!!

For today's prompt, pick an emotion, 

make it the title of your poem, 

and write your poem.

I have received so many kind words, 

messages, hug and heart emojis,

and prayers and I thank you all!

In spite of sadness mentioned HERE

there is gladness!

Grief keens awareness

 and renewed gladness for life's simple blessings, doesn't it?

In the midst of so much taken, always still so much remains 

Kindness and compassion waken where trouble and sorrow pains 

Time is ever but a Lender; have-and-hold, a sacred lease  

Gratitude, Time's humble Spender; Gladness is its masterpiece 

Gladness finds a tender foothold in hugs, kind words, tears and prayers

Where, in grief would be hope's threshold without these and God who cares?  

How could we survive joy's sorrow? Hark, sweet words of old proclaim,

'Yesterday, today, tomorrow, Jesus Christ remains the same'

Goodness and mercy still follow; Gladness grips the Shepherd's staff 

Without Him hope would ring hollow; love would forget how to laugh

Death's shadow would not release us; but God changes everything 

Gladness shouts the name of Jesus; through Him, Death has lost its sting  

© Janet Martin

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not [a]want.

2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;

He leads me beside the [c]still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord

[e]Forever.