Sheltering Calm
It is raining,
It has been raining all night
The effect is wonderful, refreshing
Restoring balance
I watch the children arrive for school
With parents
The father is tall, suited
His brolly large, grey, sober
Held firmly
And there beneath,
He and his two children walk
Sheltered from falling droplets
They talk quietly, respectfully
Gazing up at him with obvious pleasure
They have talked before
This is it is not an alien pursuit
This peace and calm is born of experience
His hand gently rests upon the girl’s back
Guiding
Comforting
It is an image that stays with me
The mutual respect of it indelible
For that journey along the short footpath
He is theirs completely
He gives his full attention
No phone in hand
They stay within the shelter of his umbrella
Walk at his slow and steady pace
They do not try to change him
Content for now within his company
On another day
They would have the freedom to run ahead
To dance to a different drummer
Along the Way
But for now
Heavy raindrops contain them
In a cocoon of calm
Father and child each feeling respected
Loved
Do I walk with God
Whenever I can?
Do I sometimes run ahead
Spending time
Talking,
Not listening
Missing the moments
Gentled – such as this
Do I allow Rainy Days
To steal the joy?
Am I content within the shelter?
He provides
Do I notice all
He provides
Do I acknowledge all
He provides
The everyday Blessings
He provides
Understanding
Shoulder to shoulder
Support and comfort
Help in a tight corner
Gently resting
Guiding hand
Not pressing Home
The difficult lessons
The reluctant learning
May I step down
And walk beneath
The canopy
Offering up
Time
Attending
Reaching toward you Lord
To Honour You
Gentle Father
The Authority
The Author of my ways
Here
May I stay
Within Your Sheltering Calm
Words and Watercolours © Denise Stanford 2010
More Thoughts…
Within the Vine 