For weeks now, Lord, William Stafford's poem
has been sounding in my memory, mind and heart:
The Way It IsYou're my thread, Lord,
There's a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn't change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it's hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can't get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of the thread.
the thread I follow...
You're the changeless thread
weaving through the changing things
that constitute my life...
But you never change, Lord:
you're constant, abiding, enduring;
you're faithful, unwavering and steadfast...
You're always there and always the same:
gentle and strong, loving and merciful,
just and true, kind and gracious...
I trace the thread of your presence
wherever I am, wherever I go,
whatever in life befalls me:
in a mountain creek and my family's warmth,
in a dying friend's hand entwined with mine,
in the calm I know in the midst of distress,
in the turn and fall of leaves from the trees,
in pondering my numberless numbered days,
in the hope I hold on to in hopeless times,
in my torn, ragged edges, sewed and mended
by the thread of your saving grace...
Not everyone sees this golden thread,
some think me a fool when I lay claim
to this strand that holds me together,
that knits me as one with you, Lord,
weaving me into your tapestry
of nature, nurture and neighbor...
I'm holding on to you, my thread,
my lifeline tethering me to your Spirit
guiding me safely through change after change,
your unchanging glory my path and my goal...
Help me never let go of this thread, O Lord,
and never let my hand slip from yours;
let me never lose track of the thread that weaves
through my heart to yours, forever more...
Protect me, Lord, while I'm awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Threads by David Leonard
If a video doesn't appear below, click here!
Tired of trying to keep it all together
Tired of lies disguising who I really am
There's pain that’s hiding underneath the surface
I’m tired of trying to keep it on the inside
But here before Your love I’m not afraid
Oh oh
I’m gonna let You pull the threads
‘til my heart unravels
Open me up with every breath
‘til the darkness scatters and runs away
I’m ready to fall apart
Fall into Your loving arms
I’m gonna let You pull the threads
‘til my heart unravels into Yours
You’re reaching out Your hand
To pull me close again
You see me as I am still You want me
Here before Your love I'm not afraid
You stitch me back together with Your grace
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