Addendum to the poem "Lord I Am Thankful" (two post's below)...
This poem was written by Janet Chapman, a dear Saint of God who was a member of my church. I had the privilege of officiating at her funeral, and read this poem that she wrote some years ago. Janet was 80 something and had dementia. She did not speak during the last year of her life, but she sang the old Hymns... every word, every verse... and her voice was sweet and clear. She was very helpful to me and my wife when one of our children had chosen to go his own way a number of years ago. She said at that time "I understand what you are going through... I was a rebellious child, and broke my parent's hearts too". This very deeply spiritual Scottish Presbyterian lady was a person who prayed for not only us, but for everyone in the fellowship.
Upon her death, her dear husband gave me this poem written in her own hand-writing. And I made copies for everyone at church. I am a poet of sorts and can recognize good poetry when I see it, and this is a gem. Allow me to give you some background for this piece.
Janet grew up in a strict Scottish Presbyterian home, where she thought her father was being severe in his desire to raise his children in the way of that communion. (e.g. - no play on the Sabbath; multiple services etc). She rebelled as a teen, and walked far from God. Later she came to realize the truth of the Gospel and became thankful for the training she had as a child.
Later on in life she married an incredible man who loved her as Christ loved the church! Jim treated her like the queen... and although they had no children they adopted and took in numerous Chinese immigrants who needed a sponsor and a place to stay. They had a large extended family of wonderful Chinese who all called them "mother" and "father". What an incredible legacy!
Some time ago Jim was teaching her how to drive, and was in the garage directing her into it. Janet hit the gas instead of the brake and crushed both his legs, which he lost and even now is using prosthetic legs. Jim never blamed her. He was never angry with her, and accepted his disability as "from the hand of God." He never once, ever brought it up again to Janet, or to anyone else. He kept on serving God, legs or no. Janet was covered with the GRACE of God through Jim. For that she was thankful!
How many of us could deal with this situation in a similar way. Even those of us who have a mature faith, it would be difficult. Janet was the recipient of
extraordinary Love and Mercy.
Last of all, Jim and Janet had a hobby of tending roses outside their garage. It was a testimony of amazing grace, as those roses bloomed and died, and came back to life each year... a testimony of God's forgivness in Janet's life especially, and she commemorated this in her poem.
I asked for permission to publish the poem, and Jim was glad for this. I hope and pray this explanation of the poem's origin will give you a sense of God's Amazing grace freely offered to you.
