Many dreams I’ve seen shattered, my hopes gone astray,
My deep aspirations had vanished away.
Then came more horizons with visions anew,
I watched as the best of my dreams did come true.  
When I prayed, my requests seemed not to be heard,
As I waited in darkness for an answer, a word,
Then Comfort came calling with warmth from His light,
As He let a bit more of His plan come in sight.  
I drank from the cup of sorrow and pain,
I’ve journeyed through many days of hard rain.
But the sweetness I’ve tasted of life on the way,
Has given me reason to welcome each day.
The seeds I have sown often drifted away,
Tho I longed for their blossoms, they just wouldn’t stay.
But the few that took root, how they’ve flourished and grown,
Their beauty rewards me for all that I’ve sown.  
Some whom I thought were my friends simply left
Discouraged, despairing, lonely I wept.
But the ones I can trust, the ones who do care
Overwhelm me with friendship and love that we share.
Many times I have struggled to breathe my next breath,
Through years of illness, I thought often of death,
Now that I’m healed, it’s life I must face,
Each morning’s a gift I gladly embrace.
The valleys were deep, I’ve shed many tears,
Heartbreak and suffering, frustrations and fears… .
But what mountains I’m climbing!  What heights I have known! 
What  glory I’m feeling!  What views I’ve been shown!
Praise the Lord for the failures, for the valleys thank God!
Now…I rejoice for the hard road I’ve trod.
Through these gifts of hardship, He’s shown me His love,
And given me more than I’d ever dream of.
So I want to keep going, I want to live on!
Give me a challenge to meet at the dawn.
I want to accomplish, to learn and to grow…
I have dreams, I have prayers, I have more seeds to sow.

 

Published  in Cathedral Bulletin  Diocese of Colorado Springs – August 1979