Today I planned to write of my brother’s journey and became lost in contemplation. Instead I will share a poem I wrote some time ago and hope that it speaks to you. Suffering and sorrow are two events we would avoid if given the opportunity, yet are wonderful disciplines to forge deep character and broaden understanding. They are levelers of pride and prejudice and become great teachers. The wise make peace with them - the noble seek them.

THE GLEANERS

There is a field called Suffering
where gleaners come each day,
And the mercy of the Owner there
bids them all to stay.

It is true their toil is harder
and not many ask to go,
But the harvest that is found there
is sweeter than others know.

Suffering grants a bountiful crop
to all who work Her field,
For the gleaners bring in the last
of the Master’s precious yield.

There is a secret the gleaners know
who pick this field of sorrow,
Our Lord who suffered most is there
to heal our every tomorrow.


Until then,

Essentially Esther