"Willow"

There’s a willow on an island,

In the middle of a tank,

And if it’s dry like summers get,

You can walk out from the bank.

You can sit beneath the willow,

And those who’ve done it know,

If you need some quiet time,

It’s a real good place to go.

‘Cause there beneath the willow,

‘Bout all you hear is wind,

It’s far out in the pasture,

Down a dirt road ‘round a bend.

And you’ll follow where the cattle walk,

Along a winding trail,

You’ll see the glisten in the sun

From the water in the vale.

Then let the peace take over,

As your stress all dies away,

And if you shed a tear or two,

The weeping willow says okay.

Or you might just watch the clouds go by,

Or the dragonflies’ winged flight,

Or listen for the turtledove,

Or pray to get things right.

I’ve not caught a fish there,

Or ever even tried,

It’s just a place for thinking,

We remembered and we sighed,

About the time that’s passing,

So quickly now it seems,

And now so fast it slips away,

And with it childhood dreams.

But every single season,

Of our lives we know are blessed,

Taking time to just be thankful,

Will help us if we’re stressed.

So find yourself an island,

And reclaim some quiet and peace,

You’ll be surprised the good it does,

From our troubles find release.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.” (Psalm 23:1-3, NLT)

We long for the quiet places because life has become so loud and hectic. But ultimately it’s not just a peaceful place we need but a Shepherd who will lead us. He is the author of every good thing and place, and it is in His presence that we thrive and reach our full potential. It’s because we know and belong to Him that we have everything we need. Our soul’s restoration and the renewal of our strength depend upon Him. His guiding hand is unmistakable. .

Lord, help us to find restoration in You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.