there was a boy

there was a boy

with sandy hair

and a smile that hinted

at mischief in the air

he ran full speed

he played full boar

he went to bed crying

for more, more, more

his mother laughed

and chased and sighed

she hoped that soon

he'd mellow inside

and then one day

the boy turned three

did his energy wane?

well, we will see

my son you bring

this Momma such joy

and I'm so glad

you're my LAST boy! ;)

* A much-belated third birthday poem, inspired by the busy birthday boy, Malakai.

The Anger

It's a palpable presence, overtaking the room, sucking away the air.

Turning the heart black, choking out the love.

Vision grows blurry, each sound intensified - echos.

The anger weaves in and out, around and around.

Taunting, calling out, whispering, nudging.

One thing, then the next, the pressure builds.

Arms spread, mouth opens, welcomes it. Invites it.

Releases it.

In its wake, emptiness.

A vacuum of silence. Tears of devastation.

Windswept and weary, emotions pool and puddle.

The Anger - life-killer, joy-stealer, pain-bearer.

What must we do to cease its wrath?

Release. Let go. Turn it over.

Only He.

Life, Interrupted

In the shadow of the wintry morning I sit, waiting.

Children, out long past the sun, continue in their slumber.

I feel it rise up in me - the impatience. We must move! Go! Hurry! Get there! There is work to be done. Ministry. School. Errands.

I resist the urge to awaken Sleeping Beauty and her brother. This rest is needed. For them. For me.

In the frantic of this life, God interrupts. Rest, He whispers. Be still, and know that I am God.

I struggle against the rest, like an angry child pushes away from her mother's embrace. Like the child, I come to the crossroads, the decision point - pull away, run away, ignore the warm comfort or release a shuddering breath and sink into mother's arms.

One last thrash of resistance. Then release. Sweet rest. Life, interrupted.

Thank-you, Lord, that you love enough to intervene in my chaos, stop me in my tracks, and return my gaze to Your face.