navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #30 » A Father's Thoughts
Open Poetry #30
Post A Reply Post New Topic A Father's Thoughts Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058


0 posted 2003-12-17 10:35 PM



This was written and read aloud at the occasion of my daughter's send off to her first missionary term.  She and her husband serve in Romania.


A FATHER'S THOUGHTS

This is my little baby
Oh, I see her precious face
The firstborn of our daughters
Gods gift to us of grace.

Like a flower of great beauty
Like the rainbow in the sky
Is the aura of our Shelly
As she sweetly passes by

As a child she brought us sunshine
As a youth such endless joys
So soon she was a lady
Graced with dignity and poise

The years have flown and scattered
Like swiftly passing dreams.
My heart is overflowing
As my mind reviews the scenes.

I ask myself some questions—
Why do I deserve so much
To be blessed with such a daughter
Endowed with heaven’s touch?

What merit have I earned
To receive from God’s own hand
A son-in-law so gracious
A loving, caring man?

And why of all the parents
Of the millions who gave birth
Were we in God’s selection
To be chosen on this earth,

To rear a missionary daughter
To equip for that great task?
It's awesome and so humbling
For us, that God would ask.

He could have used another
Perhaps, they’d better give
But, oh, we are so grateful
God chose the place you'd live.

You'll never grasp, sweet Shelly
How much we love you so
‘Till the days that you are older
And then you'll fully know.

We're hurting now so deeply
But the hurt is good I’d say—
It helps us to envision
What God felt on Christmas Day.

The world received the Savior
As God said a long goodbye.
I see now more His feelings
When in loneliness He'd cry.

For decades God was longing
To have Jesus by His side,
But the cause was still far greater
So, in love, God gave and cried.

Many souls now have salvation.
‘Cause God gave to us His best
I, too, must now surrender
And give back to God my best.

Someday there'll be reunion
Like the day our Lord went Home—
I, too, will be there waiting
For the ones I call my own.


© Copyright 2003 Steaven R Snow - All Rights Reserved
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
1 posted 2003-12-17 10:56 PM


What a lovely tribute to a dear daughter.
This gift is a treasure!
Hugs~

~Let peace begin with me...    

RSEvans
Senior Member
since 1999-10-23
Posts 1147
Tulsa, OK, USA
2 posted 2003-12-17 11:00 PM


This is a very touching tribute and as proud as you are of her, she has every reason to be proud of you as parents.  It is hard to let go, but it would be harder to fight two wills, hers and God's.  Bless you and Merry Christmas.
ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
3 posted 2003-12-17 11:22 PM


A beautiful tribute, and a wonderful write.
TD

steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

4 posted 2003-12-18 01:00 AM


Thank you Enchantress, Rob and ThisDiamond.

This may not have been good poetry, but it certainly was heart-felt.  I miss them most this time of year.

SharaRose
Member Elite
since 2003-07-19
Posts 2501
Somewhere out there~
5 posted 2003-12-18 01:02 AM


Lovely, lovely words this is!!!    Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Terri~
  

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
6 posted 2003-12-18 01:18 AM


So beautiful.  Brought tears to my eyes, really.  So loving and sweet, and now you share that with us.  Thanks and Merry Christmas!  
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
7 posted 2003-12-19 02:27 PM


This is so lovely, so touching... a father's love pours through every word. *S* Beautiful tribute!
Aimster
Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297
Charlotte, NC
8 posted 2003-12-19 02:33 PM


This was one of the most beautifully
heartfelt poems I've ever read! God bless
both you AND your daughter!

Happy Holidays,
Amy

"When life gives you sorrow, may you experience the spirit of laughter"

Patricia
Member Elite
since 2003-04-06
Posts 2160
Missouri
9 posted 2003-12-19 05:18 PM


God gave Shelly the parents He knew would nurture her to become the wonderful woman she is.  I know this because I know you and Linda are two of the kindest, most sincere people I have ever known.  This poem is indeed a lovely tribute to your daughter...one that caused more than a few tears to flow on this side of the screen.

God bless you and your lovely family,
Patricia

  

steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

10 posted 2003-12-19 11:32 PM


Terri, thank you for your very generous remarks and Merry Christmas

iliana, thank you for the tears.  I must confess…same thing still happens  to me.

suthern, I appreciate the kind words

Aimster, thank you for the blessings

Pat, you are too kind.  Your comments mean a lot.  Thanks for your compliments and your tears.  This will be a busy time until the end of the year.  If I don’t get a chance…Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #30 » A Father's Thoughts

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary