Winter Is Just Ahead

The days are glorious this time of year
As yellows, oranges, and reds appear.
I love the brilliant colors all around,
But soon the leaves will fall upon the ground.

This time of year is beautiful, yet sad,
As I recall the many joys I've had.
The beauty of Spring and Summer is past,
Seems that Winter is just ahead at last.

When I think about the seasons of my life,
Knowing Winter’s ahead cuts like a knife.
That knowledge causes me to softly moan,
“How can the seasons have so quickly gone?”

Yes, I know it must be late Fall for me,
And no more Spring and Summer will I see.
All the child rearing is over and done,
As is my childhood, which was filled with fun.

But I choose to savor these fleeting days of Fall;
They have the potential to be the best of all.
Although the "Winter" of my life is just ahead,
Even in that season by God’s hand I'll be led.

Johnnie Ann Gaskill
November 7, 1999

Come, Follow Me

One day as Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee,
He called to Peter and Andrew, “Come, follow Me!”
He also called two other brothers (sons of Zebedee),
And they, too, left all behind at the Sea of Galilee.

Immediately, they followed Him just as He had said,
Knowing not what they would eat or where they’d lay their head.
They left behind the life they’d known in order to follow Him instead,
With no idea how they would fare on the road ahead.

For three years they followed their Lord and Master day by day,
And He taught them many things as they walked along the way.
May I, like they, learn to instantly and fully obey
Everything He lovingly commands me to do and say.

If I follow the Master wherever He leadeth me,
I, too, will come to know the blessing of intimacy.
Jesus gives it to all who leave their nets beside the sea
And happily say, “Yes!” when He bids them, “Come, follow Me.”

(c) September 3, 2002 by Johnnie Ann Burgess Gaskill. For permission to use, please contact her.

Based on Matthew 4:18-22, NLT