Following

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul. For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” Mark 8:34-9:1

Following

We scoured the maps and drew out the routes
never expecting the twists and turns
not seeing the storms on the horizon
thinking we could plan for any situation.

The little ones came adding responsibility
homework and uniforms, tuition and tears
and we ached to provide them everything
they needed padding their way
keeping them safe on every road ahead.

The tempest hit, winds tore off the roof
and water took away the floor
we had to rely completely on others
holding tight to any ropes tossed our way.

The prayers slipped from our lips
the angry raging waters rose
not prevailing as we bobbed and paddled
barely keeping our heads high.

O God we thought we were in charge
and now we follow the gentle wake
ride the waters, never alone
and give ourselves to your way.