The Summer Day by Mary Oliver

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

Who I Am

Here is a song I recently recorded. The song began as a poem writing assignment I participated in at the school I work at. The assignment was to write a poem based on the theme of identity.

Our 2nd Anniproposary

I surprised Melissa with this song tonight to celebrate a special day two years ago that I proposed to Melissa:

 We started out on our knees

Planted by gospel seed

Together we set out in humility

Down the aisle of unity

Together we became a tree

We're growing into who you made us to be

Two years on down the line

Our branches intertwined

I love to feel your fingers wrapped in mine

Up through the humble trunk

Together we're rising up

Oh this love of God is more than enough

Rising up

Into maturity

Rising up

And out our branches reach

Rising up

So all the world can see

Rising up

Into eternity...forever

Planted by by water we'll grow

This day I want you to know

You are the jewel of my eye

And I love you so!

This song is about us growing together in humility, depending on God's grace and goodness to help us live godly lives. This song is also about how God can use us together to impact the world in eternally valuable ways. 

 

This week has certainly been both good and bad. Good because I feel like I'm investing in people's lives, working for not just a pay check, but for something that has eternal value. I have seen an unusual amount of high needs individuals the past few days who are in very difficult or tragic circumstances.I have heard so many sad, sad stories, and I have often left work with my heart pondering over their situations.

Last night I couldn't stop thinking about this one client. I was wondering why things had happened to him at such an early age. It's definitely not a good thought process to start, but my little heart couldn't help but wonder why. I have been asking God "Why?" a lot of this week. And I've been asking him for patience and His strength to help whoever he puts in front of me.

When I leave today, I don't want to feel the weight of my client's broken past on my shoulders. I want to live each moment of this weekend, as the gift it is, and open back up my silly side!

Vermont Winter Hiking

Melissa and I have been enjoying being outside in the beautiful, snow-covered woods of Vermont. The snow makes everything so quiet and peaceful.

Perfect Vermont Song

Into Land Or Out To Sea

I wrote this song as a prayer for my wife and from her perspective. One of my more personal songs. Ever feel like you are stuck somewhere treading water? This song is about crying out for God's help and guidance.