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a poem and a favor to ask of you

12.17.2012

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the words of this poem have been hanging on the inside of one of the cabinet doors in our kitchen. from as far back as i can remember, the sheet of paper has been there. from being too small and not being able to reach the cabinet, much less read the words. now that i'm older, i understand the purpose of this poem and the meaning behind it.

if i had my child to raise all over again,
i'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
i'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
i would do less correcting and more connecting.
i'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
i would care to know less, and know to care more.
i'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
i'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
i would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
i'd do more hugging and less tugging.
i'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
i would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
i'd model less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.

to say that what happened in connecticut last week was shocking, would be an understatement. it was nothing short of devastating. heart breaking. my mind has been heavy with thoughts i cannot speak or put into words, weighed down with feelings of loss. however i do not wish to rant or give my opinion on anything today. i simply feel compelled to ask you to do something. pray. for when we speak out, He surely hears us. pray for this country, the people who lead us, their hearts. in a world searching for answers and truth, pray that the Truth will be found. i pray that we will turn our eyes upon Jesus. this world is so broken and lost. pray for peace, starting with peace inside us. love. if you have siblings, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends, people you've never met, strangers that pass by. show love. hold on a little tighter and longer when you embrace. say an encouraging word to someone who is having a grey day. take time for others. remind them that you love them. say it more than once a day. write it down for them to find, because we can all use little reminders like this. its no surprise, for reality does not hide from us, we don't have long here. love others, draw near to the One who loves us unconditionally. only what is done for Christ will last.

26 comments:

  1. Oh boy, these words really grabbed at my heart. SO true, and raw.


    xo

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  2. You took the words right out of my mouth. Lately I've been stopping to think how thankful we should be (and are) - those who didn't have loved ones taken in CT - that we and our's are safe. "But we know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him..." amen.

    with love and prayers, M

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  3. your words are so true, and beautiful, and raw. that poem really touched my heart, as well. praying for our country, and for grieving families everywhere. xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. Madison, these word spoke to me, so much. my heart has been breaking over and over for those families. it's like I forget about the devastation for a few moments, and then I'll remember it again, and my heart will break for those families, friends, and loved ones. pray. such a small word that holds such hope, and can bring such an impact and change. and prayer is a sign of faith. why would we pray if we didn't believe that someone heard us? someone who loved us--even enough to die for us.

    such powerful words, friend, and equally raw and beautiful photos.

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. What your words are very important...and very true. Thank-you for sharing this with us!

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  6. amen amen. I have no other words. thank you for this Madison. xx

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  9. Amen. This is so good, Madison.
    Thank you for sharing this :)

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  10. Wow, yes.
    My heart is shattered and hurt... we need Jesus so much.
    Thanks for the reminder to love a little deeper and pray so much more!

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