This Is Not a Carefree Life

No matter what season of life we are in

this is not a carefree life!

I feel for my grandchildren, as they begin facing fears because

life has already shown them how uncertain and trouble-filled this world is...

(But oh, what tender soil the seeds of faith have opportunity to begin rooting in)

Next door little children laugh and play, but they are not care free;

 they wail at loving, parental 'no's' and weep when they stumble and skin hands and knees...

'Have a good day!' I said to Victoria in her mid-twenties as she headed out this morning

 and she replied 'I have a mid-term today'. 🙏🙏🙏

(She is studying to be a high school history (or English) teacher)

I have mothered small children. That life is not carefree. 

Balancing babies and budgets, duties and dreams...

I am 'mothering' adult children now and none of our lives are carefree

 because each season has its own unique joys and challenges,

desires and disappointments...

I am watching my parents in old age, the sweet strength of younger years gone

 as they weather the cares of failing bodies and/or minds

whilst caring for each other...

This is no carefree life; each day troubles abound

And cause for prayer-pauses run rife, for joy is sorrow-crowned

From childhood to old age, from morn to night to morn

We never reach a carefree stage of Enough Trouble Borne

…or graduate as last to a class, hardship-free

For this old world is struggle-cast; trouble a guarantee

Sooner or later we, with less starry-eyed stares

Waken to the reality; each season has its cares

From skinned knees to skinned dreams, from hope to hope we wend

Like steppingstones arranged in streams of trouble mercy without end

For hark! What is that sound above our flound’ring plea

God’s goodness and mercy abound; He beckons ‘come to Me’

…and ‘cast your care on Me, for you are not alone

But, without trouble you would be too selfish on your own

Forgetful of My love and what yet waits to be

After the soul slips from the glove of brief mortality

So, because I love you this life is not carefree

But oh, after this life is through, eternity will be

So trust me and obey, with each trouble unfurled

I will not fail to lead the way to Heaven’s carefree world

For all the hurts you bear, I bore the more, for thee

So, keep the faith, do not despair though life is not carefree

Look upon Calvary, then, through joy-renewed tears

Take up your cross and follow Me till trouble disappears

Janet Martin

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

 In this world you will have trouble. 

But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

1 Pet.5:6-7

Humble yourselves therefore under God's mighty hand

that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety/care on Him

because He cares for you.

Matt.11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened

and i will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humlbe in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.