God’s Harbor
Our grief is like the ocean
Coming in waves that threaten to overwhelm
Receding back from whence it came
Leaving us in the quiet – remembering
The briefest of memories brings an onslaught of feelings
And we are lost in the tide
Turned over and over in its rush
Confused as it crashes around us to settle into quiet pools
Pain and sorrow (like the moon) exert a constant pull
Threatening to overcome our sense of peace
Suddenly we are pulled off balance
And sink into currents of despair
There is a haven in this cold and tempestuous sea
A quiet place of warmth and safety
A sheltered harbor offering rest
And comfort for our troubled soul
This harbor belongs to god himself
And is open to all who receive him
He waits for us with open arms
Ready to embrace us with his love and care
We who know him come to this place
But often do not remain
Currents of emotion drag us back to a raging sea
To fight anew the storms of depression and sorrow
With the passage of time we weather those storms
Gathering strength with each battle
Learning to find our way back into that sweet calm
Each visit lasting longer than the one before
Still…our tears come unbidden
And overstay their welcome
But with each trip into that harbor
The storms will gradually give way to peace