Sunday, February 3, 2013

Poem - A Different Point of View


Our sons participated in the scouting program while growing up.  They endured cold, fatigue and food prepared by other scouts.  One hike was particularly grueling. (Bill also went on this hike.) The trail was overgrown and they found themselves backtracking from impassable cliffs and ended up bushwhacking through miles of scrub oak brush.  It tested them individually and bonded them as a group.  They often look back on this experience and the lessons they learned together.

A Different Point of View


United in purpose, their goal barely in sight
   Test of will, endurance, the scouts stayed out another night
Lifting, encouraging, sharing the load
   A prayer in each heart, a brief call to home

Struggling, straining, grabbing a hand
   Both young and old, all brothers, all men
Beyond the trial of mountain, now, testing the soul
   Realizing someone far greater was in control

With faith, hope and courage, maintaining the pace
   Finally, arriving homeward to loved ones embrace
The purpose magnified, lessons not soon forgotten
   Knowing leaders both seen, and unseen, had taught them

The journey once began as small to a few
   Now, seen through all eyes with a different point of view
Trust in the creator, brotherly love understood
   And the protective practice of His priesthood

By Janice Harten
Copyright © 2013 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.