Thursday, May 28, 2009

Just For Today . . . A Year of Lasts . . . 5/28/09

Dear Holy Friends,
    This morning my third son drove off for his last official day of high school. He has a few days of finals coming up then graduation next week. He received soccer awards, honors, and some amazing scholarships, so the past few weeks have been exciting. He is heading to college and ultimately the FBI, he hopes. And, in all of the excitement, my heart goes back to the little boys running around my yard.
    You'd think after already graduating two sons, I'd be a pro at this. I'm not. I'm glad I have six years until the last one graduates. I began this poem last fall as his Senior year was underway. It seems appropriate to finish it and send it today.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
A Year of Lasts
 
His last first day
touched my heart of heart
I knew as he drove away
that was only the start.
The last Homecoming
last sixth grade camp counselor
last game I watch ever
his last season of soccer.
Funny when he was little
I waited for every first
and now each day brings a last
the lasts are the worst.
Eighteen years is not enough time
to enjoy each precious son
then send them on their own
and today's the toughest one.
His last last day of school
as he walked out the door
a young man got in the truck
where a boy was before.
Next week he graduates
my heart's a mix of things
hopefully we've given him roots
that he can trade for wings.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 5/28/09~
 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Just For Today . . . He took The Blow . . .5/25/09

Dear Holy Friends,
    I do apologize for the weeks I haven't submitted. I shall do better.
    I watched the Memorial Day  celebration in DC on PBS last night. Yesterday morning I watched a special about a man who started an organization that now has 6000 buglers who will travel wherever needed to play live Taps at a veteran's funeral rather than the government recorded version. They said that it equals easily 2200 funeral arrangements he works out each year. Saturday night I watched a show about Normandy. Today we honor our heroes. And I can say with certainty that everyone of us is in some way impacted by those we remember.
 
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
He Took The Blow
 
A scatter grenade
rolled in the room
all could sense
impending doom.
Wounded already
he lay on the floor
he pulled it beneath him
protecting those at the door.
He took the blow
protecting his friends
in order to save them
his life had to end.
The battlefield of life
has grenades too
sin and pain explode
wounding me and you.
Jesus took the blow
penalty for our sins
He knew to save our souls
His life had to end.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 5/25/09~

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Just For Today . . . Melt Heart's Winter Away . . .5/5/09

 
Dear Holy Friends,
    Somewhere in days and days of cool temperatures and heavy rains spring has been washed away. While our deficit in rainfall from the winter appears to be resolving itself in a week, we are all suffering from spring depravation. And even as I sit at my desk and look out at the grey, I still see the lovely signs of God's earth renewal. How thankful I am He does that in our hearts too.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
Melt Heart's Winter Away
 
hummingbirds at the feeder
yellow finch on the tree
robins sitting on nests
mockingbird singing to me
baby's breath bush in bloom
apple blossoms already spent
goslings swimming on the pond
signs winter finally went
songbirds welcome the morn
peepers chirping at night
new flowers open daily
reaching for the sunlight
while fickle in temperature
spring is certain in its beauty
God's message through nature
His perfect continuity
is winter holding you tight
refusing to let go
God offers you a spring
to melt away your heart's snow
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 5/2/09~