In His Care...

It is a wonderful childhood memory I cherish.
On summer nights, my window was raised
Which brought sounds of gentle wind,
Crickets, frogs, an occasional owl...
And water flowing from the nearby creek.
That we lovingly called "the branch."

The peaceful sounds soon lulled me to sleep.
The mountain air was clean and light.
The moonlight glowed, casting soft shadows
Upon the lush countryside which we called home.
And I could always sense that He lovingly watched
As I closed my eyes and slept in His care.

As I grew older, I often wondered where water flowed,
Where mountains ceased, where the moon was when 
Out of sight.  And where does the symphony of sounds
Rest when silence grows in the colder months?
But I could always sense that He lovingly watched
As I closed my eyes and slept in His care.

Years have passed and I moved away. 
To college, small towns, and other countrysides.
Yet I have not found a flowing branch behind my home
Or mountains to embrace evening's falling sun. 
But I always sense that He lovingly watches
As I close my eyes and sleep in His care.

The days pass quickly.  The nights cease too soon.
Our children are grown and loved ones are going Home.
But I have found a Source of Love and hope Who takes us
From here to There as hearts ache and tears flow. 
Life begins and ends...and shall live again.
And I shall always know that He lovingly watches...
And I'll close my eyes...and sleep in His care.
♥~thl

"Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory." Psalm 73: 23>24