These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Remaining Hopeful

The weather often tries our minds
with heavy winds or highest heat.
Discomfort in our body binds
to point us homeward in retreat.

The people in our lives are mixed,
unpleasant some, but blessings more.
Our hope is kept with eyes so fixed
on Christ, the Lord in prayers implore.

The work we do is good and hard
to strengthen body, mind, and soul.
List we long to Wisdom's bard.
From Scripture, we are remade whole.

These hopeful hearts maintain the road
of Heaven's upward-calling way.
He carries us, and lifts the load
as shines His Light throughout the day.

But what of weight we still do feel?
Doth He now leave in darkened times?
The strength He makes is always real.
He trains us in these upward climbs.

As step by step we soldier on,
He walks beside as Hope He gives.
He guides the way, 'til this life's gone.
Then evermore with Him, we live.

In Christ, we move and being share
though days be long with way unknown.
Great Hope He gives to lighten care.
The Day will show in Him we've grown.

by Jay O’Toole
on September 4th, 2023