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Here I stand

Looking back

Across a rich landscape

Of mountains and valleys

I can see the past

Dark days and bright ones too

Loves indelible mark on my soul

Scars speak of battles fought

But here on this high peak

After reaching this midpoint

A decision calls for attention

And I am filled with fear

No stranger to this

Didn’t ask for these burdens

But we all face them

Find solace in experiences shared

And so I move on

For staying means stagnation

No resting on laurels here

Courage creating forward motion

And this bravery you see

Well, it’s not my own

It comes from roots grown deep

Anchored in your promises

But this heart still trembles

Unknown future breathes its threats

And I am tempted to run

From this fight to flee

But instead I cry out

For your hand in mine

And the hands of fellow travelers

Loves and friendships, treasured gifts

Undeserved grace still blesses

And I find my strength

Rise again from my knees

And you lift my chin

You dry these tears

Whisper your promises yet again

And you call me to follow

To enter a battle already won

So here I stand

Looking back has its value

See the altars I lifted here and there

You’re faithfulness proven every time

You’ve never forsaken me

You’ve always been there to catch me

You’ve never left me alone

And for that Dear Jesus I love you

A friend on whom I can always depend

Who understands even my silence

Who will share even my final steps

You are the light in my darkness

You are the truth

The Word that has always been

You are the life pulsing in these old bones

The very breath in these lungs

The breath of God

Spoken into existence by him

Sitting at his right hand

Your life given for mine

My life a one of a kind gift

Given with no strings attached

Wrapped in your love and care

Meant to be given away too

It may take me all my life long

A blink of time in your eyes

And a drop in the ocean of eternity

But I want to give it away as you ask

To be more than the sum of my parts

Your child through and through

Want to see your eyes smiling at mine

To hear you whisper “Well done my son”

And so I take this next step

Set off again on this life road

Take lessons from the past

And look forward with peace in my heart

To where you will lead me next

 By Michael Meehan - 10-27-13