Journeys Great and Small

This week I have been thinking about journeys. Not least of all because I am preparing for an overseas trip to a family wedding but also, more broadly, life’s journey and the trials and tribulations it can bring. Even the very small troubles such as the irritating cold and flu going around this season. Life provides us with ups and downs, rough patches and smooth, straight and winding, and whatever other over-used analogies you can come up with – but whenever I think of life’s journey and the tests it brings I am reminded of a piece poetry I would like to share.

It was written by my uncle who has written articles, short stories and many poems but this is one of my favourites:

 BECAUSE YOU SHARE THE JOURNEY

Written for Robyn Stanley

“In gratitude to God for the ministry of your life to mine;

a most fragrant and precious gift.”

You make the road easier for me because you share the journey

Simply caring

Quietly listening

Understanding the silence

I don’t have to run to catch up because you are walking beside me

My strength is renewed

And my spirit is blessed

When words are hard to say

We celebrate God’s presence

Together we enjoy the fragrance of His Peace

Gently you hold the bruised reed

And I can rest knowing you will not break it

You have seen a broken reed before

And know The Healer

Gently you apply His healing balm

His Divine Gift to you

Suddenly I feel whole

Again I have heard His Invitation and felt His Touch …

Through you

Together we embrace Wholeness

And I thank God again; 

Because you share the journey.

Geoff Panckhurst

March 31 2003

I hope that you can find as much comfort in these words as I have.