ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Guess I have aging on my mind today. Here’s a poem from my collection, called “Wandering.” The watercolor painting shows a wilderness of sorts. Even though it’s desolate, it is filled with peace and beauty. As my time on this planet seems to go on forever – the wandering often seems pointless. Yet, I know that God still has something for me to do before He takes me home. My balance has changed. My memories are all consuming. My mind is still working, but I’m feeling the effects of the aging process. Through it all, there is one consistent entity, walking right beside me. He lifts me up when I feel down. He pushes me when I need a jump start. He hears my prayers. He never lets me go. I am wearing out, but I’m still here. I know He is too.

My steps have slowed, my pace has too, a desert waits, I know it’s true,
I cautiously approach its ebb, I put away all fear and dread,
I trust as if a child would do, step by step I keep plugging through,
Though now my trust no longer holds, I feel it tug as it withholds,
My faith is being tested.

My breath is shorter than before, I wait a minute to restore,
Breathe in, breathe out don’t falter here, if you should live another year,
Don’t stop believing you can do, whatever God has planned for you,
Your age is showing on your sleeve, roll it up and just believe,
My hope is being tested.

I always walk a step behind. Thank God, I see and am not blind,
Though years have taken me this far, my heart will follow each bright star.
Corruption, greed and fear of death, cannot destroy or take my breath,
My God is always at my side, for me He once was crucified,
My fears have been arrested.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHE DAY!