For when tragedy strikes, you wonder where is God?


OH GOD! NOT AGAIN


By Frank E. Henrich Jr. August 27, 1979

Read this poem three times. Ponder awhile after each reading for a gain of patience and solace.


I look across the street 
  and see a tree;
tired bent and with age
  and with a weary look.

Not beautiful,
  in the sense of being symmetrical,
with graceful lines,
 of an artist’s brush.

But then this tree
  is not artificial;
but lives a life
  that is real.

Oh God! Must we go through this again?
  Must my life be like that tree,
that stands across the road,
  bent and ill shaped.

Oh God, must I go through this again?
  When it is not I,
that the main lesson
  is being taught to.

Oh God!! Must I go through this again?
  When the end result,
is so plain and clear;
  I can see it ahead.

Oh God! Must I go through this again?
  that I must treat others
as if they were kids,
  yet to learn a lesson.

Oh God! Must I go through this again?
  Be dragged around,
mocked and criticized,
  in all, that they may learn.

Oh God! Would you be saying to me?
  that a tree graceful in line and limb,
would not represent,
  a life in You!

Oh God! Would you be saying to me?
  That I must suffer with my brother;
as he learns the lesson
  You would teach him.

Oh God! Are you trying to tell me?
  that sometimes it is necessary
to tear down,
  to build a stronger branch.

Oh God! Then teach me the lesson,
  teach me this patience,
but always stay
  close to me.

Oh God! Teach me
  that it is more important
that a brother learn,
  than an institution be built.

Oh God! Teach me
  that not in my strength,
do I stand,
  uphold me with your willing Spirit.

If I must look like
  the old battered tree,
If that is what has radiance,
  in Your eyes

Then Oh God!
  let it be
my appearance
  before Thee.

Authors comment: So our lives must be like an old battered tree, but we can lift our bodies up to hope. We can be restored in mind and spirit.