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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: This Side of Paradise (not about the book) (07/14/11)
“Are we there yet?”
asks the traveler.

“Not yet, my child.
The road ahead is very long,
with mountains to climb,
rivers to ford,
and valleys to travel through.

You’ll rest in pleasant fields
with amiable companions
and dance to music
only you can hear
as you journey along.

You’ll pass through storms
where strong winds blow,
and you’ll trip in rough places and fall,
but when your strength will waver,
it is then that I’ll carry you.

When what’s before you is obscured
by fog or darkest night,
and you can’t find your direction,
I’ll guide you with my hand
upon your shoulder.

You’ll gather bouquets of roses,
feeling petals of velvet
and breathing in sweetest perfume,
not noticing the thorns
until they pierce you.

With pebbles in your shoes
and rainbows overhead,
you’ll stride along with purpose
to reach your destination
in the days of your wayfaring.

If you keep looking straight ahead,
neither turning aside for bright lights
nor being deterred by savage beasts,
you will not lose your way
as you sojourn on this road.

Just follow the signs I’ve given
to reach the other side.
My gate is open wide,
and the price of your entrance is paid
for an eternity with me in Paradise.”
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This article has been read 1341 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laury Hubrich 
07/23/11
If only we would follow this road map, think how much easier it would be. But no, we get side-tracked:) Love this poem!
Eliza Evans 
07/24/11
Home in Him.

This was a settling, sobering, read.

Beautiful.
Carol Penhorwood 
07/24/11
Yes, we are just like little children who are anxious to reach their destination. Sometimes the road seems mighty long but He will see there in His timing.
Noel Mitaxa 
07/26/11
Gentle, reassuring touch throughout, delivered in an economical style.
Edy T Johnson
07/26/11
I'm glad the child has the presence of his traveling Companion, to encourage him/her each step of the way. Well done!
Lillian Rhoades 
07/27/11
You did a bang-up job of setting the scenes along the journey with graphic metaphors of the struggle.
Love these: "Not noticing the thorns until they pierce you."
Or, "Stride along with pebbles in your shoes." Apt descriptions of how I've felt on many occasions.

Just one "theological" question.:-) If He's walking with us, leading the way, or carrying us at times, why do we need signs? Does He leave us alone sometimes, to test us, or to see if we stay on track. Just throwing it out there.:-)

Thanks for feeding my love for new words with "Ford."
Mariane Holbrook
07/29/11
This is such a comforting message from God to His children, a "song of assurance" and just what we need in the days ahead not only for our country but for us as believers as well. Kudos!