I See You

This evening, I found myself going through boxes of old letters, photos, school papers and a variety of other things I've saved

over the years. As I pulled out different items, some brought smiles, others brought tears, and some just left me shaking my head sheepishly. Along with old journal entries and stories

written in elementary school, I found this poem that I wrote about 6 years ago, not too long after my best friend/foster brother, Junior, died. It was my freshman year of college, and I can remember sitting on the terraced steps behind the Reitz Union at the University of Florida, attempting to sort out my jumbled emotions. I deeply missed Junior and I was feeling overwhelmed by life, but at the same time, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was with me---that He always had been and always would be. Though I'm clearly not much of a poet, this poem came out of that time and, if not eloquent, at least expresses the truth that God is present even in the midst of hard times, and He is always faithful to care for His children. So, for what it's worth, here it is:

I see You

In the never-fading smile of a young man

Too sick to leave his bed but

Who clings to You as the source of his strength.

I feel You

In the cool autumn breeze that

Dances through the air and

Sends brightly colored leaves fluttering to the ground.

I hear You

In the laughter of children ringing

Out through the cracks of mud huts

Finding joy in the midst of poverty

Lord, You are here

Surrounding me with Your love

Too great for me to comprehend.

Lord, You are here

Giving meaning to my life

As only You can do.

I see You

In the beauty of the sunset, fading

Quickly into night, revealing

Your glory in the heavens.

I feel You

In the gentle touch of a friend

You've sent to encourage me

As I struggle through life's uncertainties.

I hear You

In the silence of a beautiful moment

When I am reminded to

Be still and know that You are God.

Lord, You are here

Amazing me with Your glory

So incredible to see.

Lord, You are here

Bringing healing to my heart

That's broken without You.