November 8, 2010: Perspective

On the 8th of every month I write my wife a poem or song to celebrate our anniversary (we were married August 8, 2009). Usually those poems rhyme, but the one I wrote last night is just a simple free-verse reflection. Since it has some theological content, and because I don't plan to write any Pastor's Pages until January, I thought I'd post it here.


Happy 15 Month Anniversary Sweetheart

Now I know that every trial
(Grief, sorrow, disappointment, failure)
That I have ever known
Had a part in bringing me to you.

Take one of them away
Just one of them
Any one of them
And we would not have met, or loved.

So I glory now in all those old scars.
I thank the most compassionate and merciful God
For every pain that hindered my way
And blocked all roads but the one that led to you.

If you asked me two years ago
“Paul, how would you like your life to have been different?”
I could have told you.
I could have given you a list.

Not any more. That list is in the trash.
If I were given my life to do over
I’d want everything exactly the same,
Knowing that at age 46 I’d meet you.

God teaches me through you to endure present trials.
The old ones led to you -
You who are delightful beyond measure!
You who are so blind to your goodness and virtue and grace!

So the new trials will also lead somewhere good.
It’s only logical.
It’s the way God works.
A man just has to be patient.

Sweet Lisa, wonderful Lisa, blessed Lisa
You bring me joys I never thought I’d know
And you teach me lessons
I never thought I had to learn.