after a while...

After a While

By Veronica A. Shoffstall

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 your head up and your eyes open,

With the grace of a woman, 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 midflight.

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...

With every goodbye, you learn.

...

Today in Relief Society we talked about overcoming feelings of inadequacy. At the end of her lesson, our teacher passed out a copy of this poem. I really liked it and wanted to share it here. There have been plenty of times in my life when I have crumpled in defeat or watched my future plans turn to dust or waited around for someone to bring me flowers -- instead of taking the time to plant my own garden.

It's comforting to know -- and recognize -- that with age comes the strength to keep moving forward, the courage to continue cultivating our talents, the ability to identify true love and friendship, and a clearer understanding of our divine worth.

Image found here.