[One of my goals for 2017 was to write at least one poem. You might say that I procrastinated, but here it is.]

Hard to believe another year—gone
365 days has left me in a daze
Wondering where did each go
It didn’t seem so long
Did I slow down enough to examine my ways

Did I stop to enjoy the gifts freely given
So much good abounding in measure
Oh, to pause and give thanks to the Giver in heaven
Reflecting is like uncovering lost treasure

Precious time alone with the love of my life
Laughter and friendship, blissful contentment
At home or far away adventuring with my wife
Celebrating love—reveling in the joy of commitment

Four lively kids growing healthy and strong
Cause my heart to overflow with gladness
Each marching to their own beat, singing their own song
Sometimes harmonious and sometimes dissonant
as they discover their identity, and the ways of their Maker
Yes, these treasures keep me on my knees
In humble dependence and with prayerful pleas
for Christ’s wisdom and love to flow through me to them

Then there is work, satisfying and rewarding
Loving and leading people to love and worship Almighty God
Is an impossible task—at times overwhelming
Yet with God all things are possible, so I let him love and lead through me
and enjoy the beauty of his work

My heart is warmed and encouraged by dear friendships
Some from childhood, some wiser than I, others peers
All have graciously molded my character throughout the years
I praise God that I am not alone
I am loved
I am known

For this I am most grateful
I belong to the family of God for all time
Adopted by my Father on no merit of my own
But by simple faith in Christ confessing that I am his and he is mine

In that identity lies my hope and thus my greatest joy
Springing me into each day that awaits in the year to come and then all eternity