I am thrilled to have my sister, Mary Waterloo, adding her own story in poetic form to this week's "At the Well" meme. I told her what the given topic was...
...and I casually mentioned that she might want to write something down. (I happen to know that she had had a rather unforgettable Thanksgiving back in 1995, just a few days before my oldest son was born.) She doesn't have her own blog, so I said I'd post anything she wrote to mine. I kid you not, she wrote this poem in about 7 minutes and emailed it to me. It's my pleasure to share it with you all.
How do you give thanks during difficult times?
Share with your readers a testimony of how God brought you thru a difficult time.
What is the most memorable Thanksgiving you have experienced?
...and I casually mentioned that she might want to write something down. (I happen to know that she had had a rather unforgettable Thanksgiving back in 1995, just a few days before my oldest son was born.) She doesn't have her own blog, so I said I'd post anything she wrote to mine. I kid you not, she wrote this poem in about 7 minutes and emailed it to me. It's my pleasure to share it with you all.
The next day was Thanksgiving
And I was still at work
My pager started buzzing and
I grabbed it with a jerk.
The message, a little garbled
The words not sinking in,
"Surely they are kidding?"
I pondered, with a grin.
It said my house was burning,
Could I please come on home
The firemen were waiting
Covered in that funny foam.
Fast, I drove through traffic,
Still trying to explain
"Surely just a burning pan!"
Begged my frantic brain.
Oh such devastation,
Twas near a total loss.
Still I cried in great relief
There was no human cost.
So much went up in smoke
But thanks I still was giving
Every life that meant so much
Was still among the living.
The Father gives and takes
His plans beyond our ken
His praises kept my soul alive
Here, and now, and then.
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(Note: This experience of "Guest Blogging" was so much fun for my sister that she has decided to start her own blog. It's called "Eye on Creation," and you can find it here.)
This week's "At the Well" is being hosted by Laurie over at Women Taking a Stand. Be sure to drop by there to read her thoughts on this topic, and to find links to other participants' postings as well. Remember to leave comments if you were blessed!
This week's "At the Well" is being hosted by Laurie over at Women Taking a Stand. Be sure to drop by there to read her thoughts on this topic, and to find links to other participants' postings as well. Remember to leave comments if you were blessed!
Wow - memorable Thanksgiving's run in your family, as do thankful hearts during truly difficult times! Great poem.
ReplyDeleteWow. that was an incredible poem and your friend should get her OWN blog and bless us with her gift of writing!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing her story with us today AT THE WELL. What a great reminder to us that IN ALL things we need to give thanks. -blessings, Laurie
We, too, had a house fire when I was 15 years old. I remember how devasted my parents, my brother, and sister felt at the time but I also remember how friends and family came and helped us. God was really good to us. Thank you so much for the poem.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a testimony of turning tribulation to praise and gratitude. Wowzer. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing that blessing with us at the well.
ReplyDeletePlease tell your sister "thank you" for sharing her poem. She made the choice to be thankful during a difficult time. Thank her for reminding us that people are more important than things.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem to describe the depths of fear and destruction and the joy of trusting in God. Beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteIt runs in the family! This really boils life down to what's important--really important. Great!
ReplyDeleteThat was an inspired post!!! It's amazing to have the perspective that God gives, isn't it???
ReplyDeleteBetsy, You are so brave to share all this. I'm sorry you had to go through such a tough thing as a heart attack, but so glad you KNOW the Lord loves you and is in control!
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