Rod's Wildside Photography and Poetry

 In life it’s not long ere you discover

There are mountains and valleys and hills,

The going is seldom on even ground,

But a struggle with feelings and wills.

We long for a time when things level out,

And the mountains reduce to a plain,

Or the summit is reached and the climb is behind,

Along with the tears and the pain.

Yet the Lord says” Look not to the mountain,

For it’s awesome, frightening and bare,

Turn your eyes up to Me; I’m greater you’ll see,

Than the obstacle standing there.

My promise to you is not for a walk

Which is easy, and smooth and wide.

But the path that you take is narrow and steep

With room just for Me by your side.

Yet we travel that path together,

For I am the guide of your life.

And the hope that We share, is when We reach there

No more will you know such strife

Don’t be dismayed by the valleys,

With sides that are dark and steep.

Don’t be concerned and feel all hemmed in,

For haven’t I promised to keep

Your footsteps beside still waters,

Your eyes on pastures green,

For on mountain tops high, which reach to the sky,

Such plenty is never seen”.

For a valley is always a place where we grow,

Life is evident, fresh and new.

It’s a place that is watered by springs and rain,

 And the daily anointing of dew.

The valley’s a place of protection,

Sheltered from wind and storm,

A place of shade and shadow,

Yet I stay just to keep you warm.

It’s not a place to be dreaded,

Or a depth, which you don’t want to go,

For the food is sweet, if you stop to eat.

And My Presence you’ll surely know

There aren't many things in life that are fun
That are great to do on your own.
We all need friends to play with at school,
You can't speak to yourself on the phone.
Stamps can't swap themselves you need friends-
Who will give the ones that you still need to get,
A day on the beach with only yourself,
Is so dull, you'll not even get wet.

 In the playground alone, with bullies you dread,
And your heart is pounding with fear,
That's the time when you value the friend that you have,
That's the time when you need someone near.
If you've heard a great joke, and had a good laugh,
There needs to be someone to tell,
If you're lying in bed with mumps or the flu,
It helps when they say, "Please get well!"

When you get older, and life knocks you about,
And sorrow abounds in good measure,
It's then that it matters you've kept in touch
With those friendships that you really treasure.
You see, a true friend is one who is there
In joy, in pain, and in sorrow.
They were there yesterday, they are with you today,
And for certain will be there tomorrow.

The greatest example of friendship we have,
Is shown in the life of our Saviour.
For with Him is no changing of feelings and moods,
No demands, that we owe Him a favour.
His love is the same regardless of us,
It varies not day for day.
All that He asks, is we love Him back too,
Then forever within us He'll stay.