These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

Moving Forward

The days of strength will wax and wane,
before we reach the goal.
Some wounds and pains we all must gain,
before we are made whole.

Some days we wonder 'bout the worth
of taking one more step
when pains of neck, back, and thoughts' birth
all scream, "Not one more rep!"

When going on is not a thing
we easily can do,
we then with Samwise Gamgee sing,
"I'll go there, Sir, with you!"

The burden of the ring of Truth (John 3:16)
weighs heavy on the heart.
We look to finish what from youth (Romans 1:16)
the Lord did then impart.

"I can't go on," says Frodo's pate.
His strength had given out,
but Sam did wisely say of late,
"Let's descend this hill of doubt."

The greatest friends we'll ever have
don't shame us in our pain.
They start our hope to fully calve,
before the last drop of rain.

The forward march must move each head,
and move the heart alike,
before our story's been full read,
like Pilgrim's Progress' hike.

by Jay O’Toole
on May 2nd, 2023