Everything lost
Shall be found
Everything left behind
Catches up
There is a rhythm
There is a rhyme
A purpose
And a plan
A weaving and a spinning
Healing and redemption
When we see
As we are seen
And know
As we are known
When love reigns
In the air
On the earth
And in the sea
© 2012 Julie Clark
I am finding the borderlands here.
The place I came from and call home, where I have never been a foreigner, so my passport tells me.
Even though I am an introvert, I really love this place of getting to know others who are different from myself, once I get past my shyness.
Pressing out beyond the familiar helps me keep growing, learning and loving.
Last month at the Bosnian Mosque on the Day of Remembrance, I could remember with my neighbors and help just a little to carry their burden.
The Arab young men my husband works with have been a delight.
Who would have thought that one of them knew how to make raspberry cheesecake!
Yet, I have known for a long time that this is not my true home.
My heart tells me there is so much more beyond this land I see.
Because daily I am there at the borderlands of heaven and earth,
Every time I pray.
The ache in our hearts
Is the call
To come deeper
Come closer
To the One
Who sees us
Knows us
Loves us
And satisfies us
Beyond all measurement.
We don’t always
Recognize
The voice
In our pain
We run
To another
Temporary comfort
That leaves us
Hollow and unsatisfied
Self-hating and
Aching for
The true source
Of all that we need.
It is a learning
To be turning
Towards that faint sound
Of the rushing river
To be seeking
In desperation
For that Living Water
Like a deer
Panting
A matter of life or death
To find and
To know that
We have been found
And we are known
And brought safely
Home.
© 2012 Julie Clark
I cannot see it
But I am taking it with me
It travels well
Lasts forever
I’m hanging onto hope
Not letting it go
Even though
Hope stealers
Stand on every corner
In my mind
“Just give up!”
“You’ll never make it.”
“Life is too hard.”
No
I am not listening
Pushing past
Because
I have done this before
And I know
Life and Light
Are just beyond
The corner of my pain
Hope packs well
Into my heart
Fits snuggly next to
Faith and Love
© 2012 Julie Clark
I.
Is there room in my heart
For the ones excluded, tossed out, forbidden to enter?
Can I scoot over
Just a bit, move my junk
So another can lie down and rest
For awhile
Until it is safe again to venture out?
It’s a stretch
I like my privacy
My quiet my space
I’m tired and weary
But they more so.
II.
So here I am
Trying to live the life
I believe in
Yet, struggling to do so
Something in me
Just wants to be left alone
To be quiet
To have some space
To get well and strong again.
But there are too many
Who have far less
Peace than I
Who need something
That I have plenty of.
Can I just share and be glad
Because I know it is all worth the while
To give away my extra
To another
Somehow it multiplies
And I end up with more
Than I had to start with
With joy beaming on top
Like a shiny red
Cherry smiling
From a hot fudge
Sunday.
© 2012 Julie Clark
I am the traveler
On a journey
You are the gate
To the path, the way
That leads to life
You are the light
That shines in the dark
Illuminating my way
You are my strength
When the road is steep
And my hope grows dim
You are my shade
When the sun bears down
You are the song
The birds are singing
To cheer my heart
When it becomes heavy
My companion
When I need to talk
My GPS
When I lose my way
You are the strong love
That keeps fear away
When wild things
Rage and roar
The sword that flashes
When danger nears
You are the fresh water
In the stream
When I grow thirsty
You are my home
At last
That I am forever
Longing for.
© 2012 Julie Clark
Time to grow again
Head for the woods for a walk
Look for the log
That fills my eye
Coming from my heart
It distorts my vision
Of the other
Puts them in the worst light
And me in the best
Help me, Father
Take this log
So that I may turn and love my brother
© 2012 Julie Clark
Come into the present
Come into this holy place
This is where I meet with you
This is where heaven meets earth
Today is the day
Step into life
Let’s get it started
Take your first breath
Step into life today
Step into freedom
Open your eyes and say
Think I’ll step into life today
This is a gift for you
The day the Lord has made
Soon you’ll be dancing
Cooing and singing
No turning back
Stepping into life today
This afternoon in the 102 degree F heat we were all sprawled out all over the apartment, worn out. It is amazing how one tiny 8 pounder can wear out so many adults. Didn’t Hilary Clinton write a book about how it takes a whole village to raise a child? We are getting that idea.
This bright evening star, Sohel, has captured our hearts with his sweetness. We spend hours anticipating his cute little expressions and moves. Those pursed lips and startled hand movements. There is nothing in the world like a newborn baby. He started out very sleepy, basically, “Can you just leave me alone it was hard work being born?” Now that his Mama’s milk is in he is realizing there are some good things about being awake.
We are grateful that the doctor caught right away his distress in the womb and was able to safely deliver him via C-section. Now his Mama is recovering well and we are happily here for a little while longer to help in these early days of his life.
Evening walks in the park
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