Thirty-Ninth Anniversary!

Yesterday Cathy and I celebrated our 39th Anniversary.  It was also Father's day and my sons, daughter, daughters-in-law made it a very special day.  Time has a way of surprising us, passing so quickly we don't realize how much of it has slipped away.  But yesterday we paused for a moment to celebrate that passage of time together.  I remember this young woman, remember all the promise I saw in her when we first met, and am so proud of how she has fulfilled that promise.  So, with my heart full, I sat down and wrote a short poem.

Full

By Bill Bennett

Celebrations commemorating a steadfast heart,

Thirty-nine years full of life’s challenging ways,

Still holding hands like we did at the start,

Meeting each challenge together facing each day.

Love does not wane nor does it grow cold,

For the Author of love fills our hearts overflowing,

Until bursting with song His praise is told,

Sharing our faith in terms fully glowing.

Or, with tears, and trembling expression,

Our fears and heartbreaks are openly shared,

Taking strength from His love and shared profession,

We face life with faith for He never errs.

A kiss, a soft glance, gentle touch and embrace,

Words softly spoken with truth and deep feeling,

Like apples of gold in silvery lace,

Take simple love and give it soaring wings.

And so today my heart is full,

My Lord, my wife, my children and all,

Remind me to listen to His heart’s pule,
So I am ready to answer love’s call.

My, how the years have changed us!  I remember when I could run and play with the kids, ride my bike, hike and swim and split wood all day.  Some days I still think I can do those things!  Well, I can still ride my bike, but not with the strength and vigor of my youth.  And Mrs. Bennett!  Every day she grows more beautiful and precious to me.  Truly, I am a blessed man.

The secret to our full and blessed lives is the Lord Jesus.  He is my only claim.  By His grace and mercy I am a sinner, saved, forgiven, and changed forever!  We may not have it all together, but when we're together we have it all!  I'm sure Cathy feels the same when it comes to our faith in Christ.  To Him be the glory!

Beauty in the Midst of Busy

Simply studying this photograph calms me.  This beautiful Pennsylvania stream is in a peaceful, quiet place, away from the roar of automobiles, trucks, and busses, the constant cacophony of noise from the city, a place of solitude and rest.  One can sit upon one of the rocks, or a fallen tree, and simply soak in the beauty of the spot, finding solace and peace in the pause.  I love this stream.

In the hustle and bustle of my life over the past weeks I am reminded that I need to visit places like this, but getting to them often involves hard work!  Hiking in to this spot near Mt. Gretna isn't easy.  There are no direct paths to the stream, just animal trails.  Thorns, nettles, and other irritants mar the journey, grabbing at my pants and sleeves like the annoyances of each day seek to make me hesitate, change direction, become frustrated. Life is like that.  And then, in the midst of all that frustration, hard work, sweat and effort, a moment of beauty comes upon us.  This morning was one of those for me.

I woke up happy, my heart filled to overflowing with joy from the Lord.  I sang sweet songs of praise, poetry set to music, the poetry of the soul in ecstasy, basking in the love of the Lord!  Sure, I'm still busy, my day is full, but that momentary reflection of beauty and quiet filled me with passion again!  Instead of facing a busy day with frustration and fatigue I am facing it with a sense of purpose and echoes of that joyful moment.

What caused this?  I was in Revelation this morning, the scene of the throne of glory in chapter 4.  In my mind I imagined the Seraphim leading a great hymn of praise, and then, throughout heaven, the echo of a whisper from every lip saying:  "Holy!"  Just writing about it brings chills again.  He is worthy to be praised!  Praise Him today!