Psalm 127:3-5, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." The point of this verse is that we, and I mean Christians, are "Children of God." God's quiver is full. The purpose of an arrow is to hit the target. If we are the "arrow"...what is our target? What is our purpose? Are we hitting it or missing it? For me...both.
I started this poem several weeks ago. Today is actually February 2, 2010. It's had many edits. But mostly, I think God wanted me to experience this poem first hand. To really understand what it's like to "do it by myself" and "wreck." I give things to God...but I don't completely let go. I have to either let Him have it or NOT. He created the universe...surely He can handle the piddly problems in my life! I don't always let him. It's not a conscious thought that, "I can handle this better than God." In my actions that is what I am saying.
In my most recent wreck, I have experienced His compassion and guide. I have also experienced the flaming arrows of the enemy, but I have "soaked my shield" and I am allowing God to "extinguish the flames." ...I'm a fixer, not a waiter. My current life lesson is teaching me to WAIT ON HIM. He will show up, He always does...like the father teaching his son to ride without training wheels in this poem. Enjoy the ride!
Warm summer sun, wild laughter from little boys.
"I can do this by myself," came his bold little voice.
The tires have been aired and this little horn is new.
A monumental moment when the training wheels get removed.
His bicycle set in motion with a push from the lawn.
Daddy's strong hand guiding him; now slowly being withdrawn.
Peddling fast, then faster. Smiling over his shoulder with pride.
Little eyes that show he realizes that daddy just let go and left his side.
His handlebars are shaking. He's off balance and topples to the ground.
His father there to help him, he looked up with eyes full of tears and frowns.
Compassion filled his father's heart, while he dusted off a scraped knee.
He explained to his son that trying and falling are part of riding free.
"At times your ride will be flawless, and at times you may crash or fall.
No matter how you ride, each and every time, there are lessons in them all."
And so it is with a warrior, his quiver full of arrows help prepare him to fight.
Past success and failure taught him how to pull back, aim and hit the target in sight.
In life, you must learn hard work and determination; let them be your guide.
You must try to be humble in learning and set aside foolish, selfish pride.
A child of God looking back, there are times my pride caused my Father to "release."
Those are times my He wants me to learn that on my own there is no peace.
Isn't God the mighty Warrior? Aren't we, His children like the arrows in His quiver?
Battles of daily life aren't against our flesh and blood, but rather between the enemy and the Giver.
The enemy wants to make my life a disaster. He wants to kill me and destroy.
Destroy good things for Christ, kill my witness, lose my trust and steal my joy.
Not today, o' evil one. Today my feet are firmly planted on the Solid Rock.
My Father will never leave me. He simply stands at the door awaiting my knock.
Father, I am knocking loudly. I need Your help and strong hand to guide.
Place me in Your loving protection. With your favor and blessing, help me enjoy this ride.
When, not if, I wreck. I will look to You for Your forgiving and outstreched hand.
Compassion fills Your eyes. You know my thoughts, my fears, my heart intimately. You truly understand.
Lord, thank you so much for this bumpy ride, for each lesson and every single wreck.
Because through them, I'm sensitive to Your leading, my joy's fulfilled, my strength in You and glory I reflect.
A perfect wreck,
