One Long Mystery

Things that didn’t happen

The way I thought they would

Things that didn’t turn out

The way I thought they should

No regrets and no resentments

Sometimes a hint of bittersweet

Mingles  with the deep contentment

Of knowing that You care for me

Leaves in autumn splendor

Soon gather on the ground beneath the tree

Having lived their intended purpose

Now regarded simply as debris

The wastes of life have seasons

Like the ocean’s ebb and flow

There are things we should not hang on to

When the time has come to let them go

At least as long as forever

Is how long life’s designed to last

But it’s a fruitless, futile endeavor

To try and hang on to the past

The joyous mystery of a future

That I do not control

The thrill of rapt anticipation

Keeps stirring in my soul

Many good days are behind me

Along with those I’ve struggled through

All the while a familiar voice reminds me

“I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)