Learning How to Disagree

There is something good about disagreements

When you share your point of view;

It can help broaden our communication,

And I can learn something from you. 

It gives us both something to think more about

As I learn the better to explain;

I’m looking for sources of information:

Which is confusing? What is plain?

There is time to control my emotions then

Because the facts must come to light,

So I’m experiencing an inner struggle

To discover what’s really right.

Here’s where I must logically choose my words

Because I want to know what’s true;

And God gives me this time to grow and stretch my faith

with peace of mind; that’s practical, too.

Learning is always somehow helpful to me

When I remember to pray,

“Father, give me the proper attitude and words,

May what I do please You today.”

By Elaine Hardt ©2013

Confident About Going Home

           Three close friends and her few remaining relatives gathered in the hospital room to say goodbye.  Pam had bravely fought off some painful condition, the doctors did what they could, but day after day there was no improvement.  But Pam didn’t say it was hopeless.  She’d smile and say, “One of these days I’m going home.”  

Of course, it didn’t happen.  But when Britanny leaned over to say, “Pam, the doctors say you aren’t going home”  Pam spoke a little louder, but painfully slow.  “I’m going to my Father’s House.  You know,  Heaven!”

Larry reached out his hand to touch Pam’s hand. “You have an amazing faith.”

Later that night, all alone, yet not really all alone, Pam took her last breath and died.

When Larry phoned to tell me I couldn’t help crying. But the joy was greater than the sadness.  Yes,  Pam had faith.  I wondered if I’d have that faith.  

As I pondered those Two Big Questions of life, what is dying like? And,  where do you go? I remembered something I’d read awhile ago. I knew I must write it down to help put it in some kind of sequence in my mind.  

                          Here’s how my writing began: 

Have you ever had a disappointing day?  An aggravating day?  A scary day?  Have you ever been terribly sick?  When you or I feel like complaining to everyone within sight, or even complaining to God, it might help to take a look at a woman who suffered real suffering, and who grew even deeper in faith. 

I Hate to Make a Mistake

I hate to make a mistake,

Either small or with a lot at stake.

Sometimes it evokes a long sigh,

Sometimes I think I want to cry,

But bravely I must keep on going;

Growing comes from improved knowing! 

There are lessons to learn, things to do

To avoid the next mistake, too.

Thinking About Life, These Days

Three lines drifted into my head this morning. 

        Life is downright daily,

        a lot of chores

        needin' repeatin'

Yes, I agreed with the thought as I started setting out the ingredients for breakfast, Eggs Goldenrod.  

So, how would I add to that piece of a poem?  Mention words like “unexpected” and “trouble” and “challenge,” for sure.  Life has its ups and downs. Maybe I’d write something later today . . . 

After clearing off the breakfast dishes it dawned on me.  Those three lines were from a poem I wrote years ago.  Let’s see if I can find it.   And, there it was, an old page from a national publication, Standard, dated February 3, 1985.

Let’s update this poem, was my next thought.  

Then, I reconsidered.  Here’s the poem, then I have an idea for you: