After A While

The following poem is a reflective statement of a much deeper self-discovery for everyone who reads it.

Written By Veronica A. Shoffstall

After A While
After a while, you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
And company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts.
And presents aren’t promises,
And you begin to accept your defeats
With the grace of God, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight
And after a while, you learn.
That even sunshine burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure…
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth
And you learn and learn…
And with every goodbye, you learn.

My Grief and My Comfort

I still grieve everyday for my husband John, who died of cancer in 2002.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
God never intended for us to be strong on our own; He wants us to find courage, hope and strength in Him and His Word.
I have faced loneliness for so long, not seeing the end of the tunnel but through Christ and His Word I find Hope in Him alone.

I am truly lost without Him.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” –MaryAnn Radmacher