Have you ever felt blown about by life? You’re on a path of doing better and then something comes along and trips you up! And not only that. But it’s a seemingly never ending cycle that keeps you in a place that is far less than your best life!
Romans 7:18-25 NLT is a good explanation of this all too familiar frustrating cycle. It says, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life– that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”
Below is a poem I wrote when I was feeling tossed about by life and how I longed for something more. Enjoy!
Just A Leaf by Laurie Krawchuk
I am but a leaf in the wind, No certain direction, vague recollection where I’ve been. My presence is fleeting, my fluttery way a distraction. I’m consistently inconsistent in my action. I long for a BIG tree that I can be a part of. I long to grow towards the Son in sisterly love. Where is my leader? How come I can’t see? Has it been that long between You and me? I’m tired of the wind always pushing me around. I want a strong, firm foundation where in only You can be found. I want to be green with life and juice in my veins. To feel lovely thirst quenching drops of springtime rains. Oh but to have fruitful flowers beautiful, delicate, and sweet. The Character of Christ mild and meek. The beauty of the world I see but only a glance. Because in the life of a leaf I’m blown away in an instance. You say the world is beautiful and how You love it so. Then, what is wrong with me and how come I don’t know. I get caught up in the dirty gutters and speeding cars. Caught up in my lack of color and the imperfection of my scars. To me this world is fast, materialistic, and in denial. Give them an inch and they take a mile. The sad truth is the fact that I fit right in. I promise I won’t, and then I do it again. I do not listen, I talk too much. I obsess in my mind of actions and such. When will I listen, when will I learn? Please Lord teach me how to discern. Right from wrong, wrong from right. Show me how to walk in the light. I’ve been here before so many times. I’m disgusted with myself, I’m almost done with this rhyme. I could end it now with just a piece of rope. Thank God I have Jesus who gives me life-changing hope. Amen signed The Leaf from HIS family tree
