SLEEPLESS  NIGHTS

The weight of the days hangs heavy

Stress, problems and difficulties,

People, family and circumstances

Body health in an aging world,

Food and drink

Fresh air and exercise and a clear mind,

Rising and sitting

Going forth and returning;

Often true rest is hard to grasp,

Even while a small bird searches for a nest

As the branches of the tree sway and shift in the wind

Often with merciless gusts.

But favor rests upon God’s chosen ones

As objects of His great mercy kindness reigns supreme

Like a desert rain that spreads beautiful blossoms about

Confidence as blooms that intensify delight;

Trust and assurance rise even in the face of persecution,

Deeper trust in the face of forced poverty,

Hope unshakeable in the cold, hard presence of suffering.

Yet, new branches are continually grafted into a mighty tree

Roots run down wide and very deep

Anchored in…