Shadows

The poem "Shadows" much like "Watching Raindrops Dance" rejoices in God's awesome creation. There are various types of shadows in this world both good and bad.  According to the dictionary definition of this word a shadow is "a shade or patch of shade, or a shaded part of a picture." There are several other definitions for the word, but these two are sufficient for the purposes of our discussion. Something shaded can't be seen clearly. A shadow is a reflection of some tangible object. This can be beautiful like the shadows on my wall or be ominous like the shadow of someone who is stalking you. There can be shadows of the true and also of the false. What we say and do is a reflection of our character. It can mean that we are not being transparent or honest in our dealings with others and trying to hide something. Our Savior wants us to walk uprightly and determine to be honest in all our dealings with others. Psalm 15 encourages believers about the benefits of walking uprightly and speaking truth in our hearts. Proverb 2:7 promises us that "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly..." That is what I want in my life.

                    SHADOWS

Tree branches sway,

Shadows of the real,

So delicately beautiful,

They decorate my wall,

As no picture can,

Sunbeams dance,

On my oak floors,

Emitting a golden glow,

Rainbows light up the room,

Radiating off my prism,

Each speaks peace,

Cheers and comforts,

Tells of an awesome Creator,

And his magnificent creation. 

Watching Raindrops Dance

Our Creator, to use one of my favorite 

expressions, is profoundly simple. I'm 

seeing ever more clearly the things that really 

matter the most in life. We can be in 

such a rush that we miss the restorative 

blessings of all that our very good Father has 

given us so richly to enjoy. Time alone with 

him, fellowship with other believers, enjoying 

discussing Scripture with liked minded people, 

rejoicing over his numerous blessings in our 

lives and spending time in  his creation 

together, refreshing ourselves as we give 

thanks for its beauty are but a few of 

God's (Elohim in the Hebrew) choicest gifts to 

us.

Recently, Chuck and I took a walk in a  local park with a zoo after service on Sabbath. We ran into some old friends whom we had not seen in a while. We enjoyed the zoo's cougars, tigers, bears and buffalo together. What an awesome Creator. One of the friends we toured the zoo with is a very enthusiastic Puerto Rican. I tease him, "You never get excited about anything."  He's a joy to be around. His wife is quiet, but really sweet and is also a joy to be with. There honey daughter was with them. What an enjoyable walk. We exclaimed over the size of the tiger's feet. While the male tiger is very bright colored, the female is very light colored. Again, what an awesome Creator.

The next time it rains, I encourage you  to take time to watch the raindrops dance and give thanks to our wonderful Creator for all his marvelous gifts. You are all in my love and prayers. In our most precious Messiah, Jan Hagg  

WATCHING RAINDROPS DANCE

Rejoicing in your creation,

Its loveliness,

Watching raindrops dance,

Joyously hit the pavement,

 Rejoice in life,

 In your goodness,

They give the earth a bath,

Remove the air’s dust,

Leave it so fresh smelling,

 Each raindrop is transparent,

Like fine crystal,

The leaves so still,

Then gently swaying,

Praising you,

The quietness so refreshing,

I don’t want to leave.