HEALING - GROWTH!

Many times I have opportunity to listen to people and their challenges, issues, concerns. When I come home I sometimes write down further thoughts and ideas - perhaps something I should have said, but didn't - perhaps my feelings on the same subject - perhaps generating different ideas..... these are some........

Father, I bring you my hurt.
I’ve been a child about it.
I have had unexpected tumbles,
Got deep scrapes and cuts.
Like a mother you kissed them better
You bandaged me up.
I keep pulling the bandage off
To see if it’s healing.
I won’t do that anymore.

Father, I bring you my regrets.
I’ve been riding them like a merry-go-round;
Playing the same song over and over
In vain annoying repetitions;
Going in circles, heading nowhere.
What a waste of time and energy!
It’s even making me nauseous.
I’m getting off now.
I’d rather be going places with you.

Father, I bring you my envy and jealousy.
They are like two green-eyed monsters under my bed;
Only given life by my active mind.
If I choose not to give them life,
Then they have no power to hurt me.
You have shined your light under my bed;
And exposed them for who they really are.
Powerless, toothless, ugly creatures.
I will toy with them no longer.

I could go on Father, but You understand me.
You can have my security blanket,
For in You I find security and safety.
You know my many doubts,
Those hundreds of questions, “Are we there yet?”
You give me a trust that’s maturing.
You especially know my temper tantrums,
And You teach me how to use my anger wisely.

Father, please keep working
on all the things I need to leave behind.
When I was a child, I thought like a child!
Now that I am an adult, I will think like one!
You have allowed the little child within
To finally catch up to the rest of me.
Thank you Lord for inner healing!

Karin Ristau