Old Dreams and Empty Rockers

A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is useless. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows in a warrior's hands. How happy is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. (Psalms 127:1-5 NLV).

As I was transferring some files recently from one computer to another I glanced through some of the poetry I have written through the years. The poem below was written during a particular period of nostalgia. It was rooted in the early years of raising each of the boys. There were so many experiences that God gave to us. Some of the fondest memories were those imbedded in my mind during their infant years. Rocking each of them to sleep in the evening became a ritual that I have always cherished. Dreaming dreams and praying for them each night became a habit that I have never left. The following poem, titled "Old Dreams and Empty Rockers," may be both a blessing and an encouragement to you. Regardless of their age, they are never too little to pray for. Our children are truly a blessing from God that can never be valued enough.

Inviting and empty they sit on the porch.
Once the place where sweet lullabies were sung,
Soft whispers and gentle caresses sweeping
My children into dreams and visions of wonder.
Those old rockers recall the dreams of yesterday.
Some have come to pass, others have yet to be.
In the quiet moments, alone, I reflect on them.
Each moment spent singing, rocking, and dreaming
Is now a bright jewel set like a star in the night.
A slow smile spreads across my heart and soul.
A soft sigh escapes from my lips
Echoing the deep satisfaction of my life.
I know that some of it could have been better
Some of it could have been much worse
And all of it was centered in love and hope.
Though long empty, the old rockers still hold me.
I am captive to the dreams they helped weave.

Perhaps you have become so busy doing for them, you have forgotten to do with them. Regardless of how far away they may live, write them a card; call them on the phone. Bless them with your voice today. Tell them of your dreams and hopes. Hold them once again in your arms and pray over them that the God of the ages would give them all of their heart’s desires from His limitless bounty and grace!