Let me hold a thought that has some truth in it. Dearest Lord. Not the so many that may enter my mind, those that may color my mood, that have no truth in them at all. Please let me know your will, so I don’t have to worry over desires of my own. Let me go where there is love. I don’t want to be part of any sad story, unless that’s your will for me. I know I’m loved. Let me love where the love is for me. I can see sunnier days, and smiles of those who care for me. So I might gather my strength and light, to love where there isn’t love at all, and send a ray of sunlight down those shafts. I know those dark, unyielding crevices well. I’ve lived there before. But I’m tired now. It’s only life, after all. That’s what resting is for.  A new day is on the way, and the sun is rolling around. I choose to live it with joy. And a smile on my face. Without shame or self disgrace. I have nothing to hide anymore. You’ve filled me with a grace. I no longer lash out with regretful words when it’s best to heed. At least I try not to. And due to your love I more often succeed. There’s too little time to judge. My worries are for me. And all the flaws I have seemed to carry endlessly. I now realize it was all a gift to me. I wouldn’t be half as interesting, without some damage on the tree. I can show my scars, albeit not very proudly. But I don’t hide them anymore. I’m not afraid to smile. I realize it’s been too long since I have. I’m not afraid to love anymore. I’ve learned to love who I am. I embrace who I’ve become. When there are changes calling to be made, I see a gloriously orange rising sun. I don’t have to fight for love anymore. I’ve weathered so many storms, and now there is a calm after the sound. Of a bird singing, and the pitter-patter of water rolling off the leaves. After the rain. The house will never be the same. And yet the house still stands. A monument to surviving, and with that comes an inner peace. When you’ve lived so long, you meet someone new, and you think, “Oh, I’ve known this person before.” Even if it’s not the same one. You’ve simply been around. It’s less like judging, and more like discernment. You’ve learned a thing or two. But even if I were to live forever, it would all be so terribly pointless unless there is love shining through me. I pray I’m never bitter or resentful. I pray when a thought arrives that doesn’t serve, I cast it away. And I get back to loving you. By loving who I see. I can’t love you without loving that way. If my heart feels hardened, I know I’ve mistaken the message for me. As long as I’m alive, I’m always new. From the very moment I choose it to be! That’s the beauty! It’s all up to me. The best days are scattered all around! If it’s not mine, I can enjoy another’s. There’s always something to do. Smiling faces. And here are some smiling at me!! How beautiful it is. Sometimes it’s simply to be found in those places we haven’t been looking. And have been waiting patiently. I love what I’ve become. Someone who can share and receive. And, oh, I love you, too! You’re everything that shines to me. You’ve saved me with a look, and you perhaps don’t even know. You’ve taught me how to be. Someday there’ll be a white picket fence. I suppose. But even fences fall away. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have this love in my heart. I carry it from you. I promise not to drop it. It’s the only thing that’s real. I’m so thankful for it. And, if I haven’t said it enough, I love you. You are beauty I had never seen before. ❤️