Sunshine Yellow

A test of patience each spring is yearly instilled
as we wait 11 months to see the daffodils -
there's bright yellow with trumpet frills
or maybe all white ones will thrill.

Though these yellow blooms last for up to three weeks,
their green leaves from the flower bed will peek
for several more weeks,
looking messy, not neat.

How soon these bright sunshine yellow daffodils are over and gone
but do not fear, yellow dandelions are soon coming on...
and on...
and on.

Dandelions test our patience,
seemingly beyond our endurance.
Many neighbors yearly apply 'weed and feed'
as dandelions are filled with endless greed.

You'll find my yard filled with an abundance
which remind me of God's faithfulness
for that's what dandelion happens to mean,
these sunny blooms among jagged leaves of green.

For many weeks on end, over and over again,
you'll find me (impatiently) digging out dandelions
as last year's dandelions went to seed
growing thousands of dandelions to weed.

I'm reminded of God's patience
and everlasting faithfulness
daily toward me as I weed -
a needed reminder, indeed.

In the meantime, yellow forsythia bursts into bloom,
though if you're impatient you can force their yellow blooms,
by cutting a few canes to bring inside.
Just a week it takes for flowers to betide.

Forsythia, another springtime bloom,
that we patiently await to bloom
bursts into color, a bright sunshine yellow,
reinforcing spring is here - hello!

Let's not forget the sunshine yellow sun
that each spring brightens and warms
the barren, colorless earth
causing new life to spring forth.

Bright sunshine yellow,
such a cheerful color.
Much happiness it brings,
painting the earth each spring.

* * * * *

Patience is a hard lesson to learn,
though often needed at every turn,
for everyday something unforeseen goes awry
causing unwanted suffering, why oh why?

Yet God's Word says those who persevere are blessed.
Something to contemplate during the next test -
and you can be sure one will come,
though hardly ever welcomed.

Instead of worrying,
simply start praising.
The peace of God will again calm your spirit,
then perhaps you'll see God's solution in it.

And you'll find an attitude
of unceasing gratitude
will peacefully surround
though life's many ups and downs.

Asking for God's 'hedge of protection'
will ally many daily problems
showering us with blessings instead.
Just pray this simple prayer before bed.

Focusing on the positive
instead of the negative
will change your perspective.
A blessed way to live.

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering,
take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.
You have heard of Job's perseverance
and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:10-11

Have you not put a hedge around him
and his household and everything he has?
You have blessed the work of his hands...
Job 1:10