When I was younger, I used to write a lot of poems. Sometimes it’s fun to just sit down and write as I reflect on life. So I did that last night for the first time in awhile…
Growing Pains
Growing is a part of life.
It comes and goes in diff’rent ways,
It comes and goes at diff’rent rates.
You cannot skip the growing phase,
For when you do life dissipates.
Growing is a part of life.
For most nine months before their birth,
They grow and grow in wondrous ways.
But growth continues on this earth,
Until in graves each person lays.
Growing is a part of life.
It brings us joy to see a child,
But greater joy to see a man.
It makes us smile when kids are wild,
But greater things are in God’s plan.
Growing is a part of life,
And growth is more than physical,
For life is more than flesh and bone.
Yes, growth is somewhat mystical,
A foggy path to life unknown.
Growing is a part of life.
Sometimes it’s great; sometimes it’s not.
Sometimes we wish to just ungrow.
But those with life must grow a lot,
Despite the change that makes them grow.
Pain is also part of life.
It comes and goes in diff’rent ways,
It comes and goes at diff’rent rates.
You cannot skip the pain some days,
For when you do growth dissipates.
Pain is also part of life.
For most nine months before their birth,
They know not pain at Mom’s expense.
But soon that pain turns into mirth,
As baby on her mama lays.
Pain is also part of life.
It makes us glad when children play,
And makes us cry when they’re in pain.
Their tenderness brings smiles today,
But carefree they will not remain.
Pain is also part of life.
For hurt must come as bodies change,
And likewise too when Christians grow.
Yes, growth asks more than we arrange,
Much more than we will ever know.
Pain is also part of life.
Sometimes it’s great; sometimes it’s small.
Sometimes we wish it wasn’t real.
Sometimes we wish to hide it all,
So that it may in secret heal.
Growing is a part of life,
But so is pain, so what’s the deal?!
Why must we thus anticipate
To hurt and cry and sorrow feel?
Why, growing is a dreadful fate!
Growing is a part of life,
A part of God’s first perfect plan
When all was good and all was right.
Pain later came from sinful man
Who scorned the good and left the light.
Thus pain is now a part of life.
“So pain is bad, just like I said!”
But wait, for God’s not finished yet.
He takes the pain from which joy fled
And uses it so needs are met.
Yes, pain is now a part of life.
Where sin remains, pain lingers still,
As God breaks hearts and makes them new.
To make us more like Him- his will;
For this to come, pain must ensue.
For now pain is a part of life.
You want to grow? Then pain embrace.
Someday you’ll fin’lly understand.
Perhaps not till you see Christ’s face;
Perhaps not till you see his hands.
Growing pains are part of life.
You’ll never grow without some tears,
But through those tears give thanks to God.
Let pain be not a source of fears,
But grow through it as earth you trod.
In the United States of America, we put a special emphasis on receiving things and accomplishing things as quickly as possible. On the one hand, that’s okay, since our life is a vapor and will soon be gone. On the other hand, we tend to settle for less than the best when everything is done as quickly as possible.
Once I finally arrived at Faith, I made the decision to take several classes that were outside my program of study, thus taking an additional year to finish college. After college, I went straight to seminary, whereas many of my friends graduated and got jobs or went straight into ministry positions.
During the 11 summers that I worked at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, Pastors Phil Betz and Dave Callison took me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to serve with humility. They also taught me how to pay attention to details, look out for the needs of others, and equip myself for as many avenues of ministry as possible.