The Seasons: A Poem

Posted by on
Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
0

The Gift of Unanswered Prayers

Posted by on
Luke 1:5-25

Whenever I take the time to look back on my life I am amazed at the goodness of God. Especially so in light of my wandering ways. When I look back at the things I asked for and what was given to me instead, I am filled with praise and thanksgiving. Like the country song says, "some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."(Garth Brooks, Unanswered Prayers)

Scripture tells us that God's ways are not our ways and sometimes this just stinks! Yet, God is a loving Father who knows what is best for us. He has a plan for us.  His plans, His ways, are always far better than ours.  That isn't always easy to accept!

In my younger days, before my conversion, I dreamed of a life of singing in a band. I dreamed of living on stage, in bars and clubs, and partying till the end. What a stupid dream! In fact, I think I even prayed, in my own twisted way, for these things. Thank God for a great big "NO". If God would have revealed to me His plan at that point in my life I would have laughed and said "thanks but no thanks." Now I can't imagine my life any other way. I can't imagine not being married to my wonderful wife and enjoying my beautiful children. His ways are far better than mine.

I am sure Zechariah and Elizabeth had many days to dream of what life would be like with children. I am sure they had ideas in their minds of what they would do with their child. They obviously prayed constantly, even in their old age, for a child. How disappointed they must have been as the years slipped slowly by and no child came. 

Yet God's ways far exceeded their dreams and ideas. I'm sure they never expected to have an angel announce that they would be given a child. I'm sure that they never thought that he would "be great before the Lord...filled with the Holy Spirit...turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God...or make ready for the Lord a people prepared." Their expectations were met and exceeded beyond belief. Hence the name that God gives - John - "God is gracious."

God has a plan for you today. You may have gotten out of bed early in the morning with ideas in your head of how the day was to go but He has plans that are far better. This doesn't mean that the day will end with all of your heart's desires being fulfilled. Rather, it means that He loves you and wants you to trust Him, for He has plans for your good. Your only duty today is a simple one, say "yes" to God. In good and in bad, say "yes" to God!  

Let's not be disappointed by an unanswered prayer.  Rather, let us be excited that God didn't answer it because He has something far better planned for us!! "Do not be afraid for your prayer is heard!"


My new book of cryptogram puzzles "Secret Messages from the Saints" is available now.
  
Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books - Fiction

Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom.
* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

Comments

Post a Comment