MANGER POEM

I wrote this preparing for Christmas in 2006.  I'm a fairly intense person [expect a number of you are already rolling your eyes when you read those words, because you've already figured that out and don't even know me personally] and at that time it was very, very stressful in our extended family.  One of several situations was this:  October 1st, when my grandson Jack was 12, his long-time kidney disease became overwhelming.  He was in the hospital over and over again, and when he was sent home he was always in serious condition.  I was involved at the hospital, staying with him as needed, and at his house, sometimes taking care of the other 4 family kids while parents were working or with with Jack at the hospital -- tried to be anywhere I was needed any time to help. Through exhaustion and emotion I cried a LOT that Fall through Christmas and into the Spring.

This poem dropped into my heart in November.  Those last two verses are exactly true.  Without them -- those blessings through people at church and fellowship --  I could hardly have "survived".  Through them, our dear Savior filled my heart with hope.  [3 years ago, Christmas Eve, Jack had his kidney transplant.  His Mom -- my daughter -- was his donator.  I was his caretaker at the ICU.]

Hope the info doesn't drive you nuts, but I always love how the Lord drops glory into our lives in the midst of UNglorious circumstances.