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LIFE'S PATHWAY

I've traveled life's pathway for many years, I've experienced joy, sorrow and tears.

So often I've seen life's pathway divide between the valley and the mountainside.

I've seen many warnings along the way; I've experienced blessings in the light of day.

I've listened to the birds sing in harmony;, I've also cried in agony.

I've walked through the valley of oppression; I've overcome deep depression.

The mountains I've climbed have been filled with wonder and delight,

With mystery whispering beneath the cool moonlight.

My greatest blessing has been God's Son, His love I can depend upon.

I've experienced losses; I've experienced gain, And I've also found joy in the midst of pain. My companions have been Compassion and Love, Mercy still calls me from above.

Forgiveness has been my unconditional friend;

Hope has held me in the bitter wind.

Understanding has helped me when I've been confused;

Perseverance strengthened me when I was used.

I've had other friends, I haven't understood, friends I've known since my childhood.

Fear taught me the blessing of Trust; Disappointment made me learn to adjust.

Failure helped me want to win, Rejection taught me true Compassion.

Death taught me to value life, Anger taught me to flee from strife.

Bitterness I must confess, gave me the hardest test.

I knew Bitterness in the depths of grief; until Forgiveness came and gave me relief.

God's creatures great and small, taught me to be gentle most of all.

Nature with her many faces, taught me to see beauty in the strangest places.

My Lord Jesus taught me to survive, His love makes me feel so alive.

He also taught me how to give, by His example and how He lived.

Life's Pathway still calls me to follow God's Son; Only then, will true Victory be won.

You gave me life and showed me kindness,

And in Your care You watched over my life. Job 10:12

Father in Heaven, there are so many choices confronting us this day and every day. Please Father, remove the blindness from our eyes when we are making choices that will hinder Your dreams and Your will for our lives. Father when we feel it is too late and we feel like giving up, remind us, You are God, not our feelings. With You all things are possible!

Please help us Father to make the best choices knowing we are leaving footprints others will follow. We love You, Father and we thank You for Your mercy, Your forgiveness and Your strength to begin again. Please open the doors we can't open, and close doors we can't close, we pray in Jesus name, Amen.

by Laura Jan Kirkley Written August 9, 1989