Wasn't it just yesterday?
Little girl, little girl,
you've just gotten here.
Under twinkling stars--a rainbow tear.
To reminisce of that soft autumn day,
Falling out of the clouds
in your own special way.
You to the world I'll gladly show,
What the future holds, no one can know,
But something tells me I'll never let go.
An angel sent from heaven above,
Since the first time I held you--
I see God's love.

Wasn't it just yesterday?
That after a long December day of
Fighting life for pay,
We were sitting by a warm home fire
side by side.
What a ride!
Some things never grow old.
Flames melting away pretense and pride.
The world subsides.
We see our shadows
In the light of glowing coals.
Watching the orange embers dance,
Knowing its the only chance--
For a spirit to warm--to heal.
Then, a soft shaky voice quivers a plea,
Quietly you crawl in my lap,
Daddy hold me.

Wasn't it just yesterday?
Later that night,
Tucked in her bed real tight,
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Verity never so complete.
A face of spiritual light,
Shining on a voice calling in the night.
How many prayers can be heard,
How many tales of spoken words.
None have ever been so clear
The past slips past--the future grows near.
Her eyes bleed purity--life.
Gifts showered on husband and wife.
Jesus name, Amen.
Tell a story Daddy,
Please begin.

Wasn't it just yesterday?
A bright June afternoon at the pool,
Wanting to take that first plunge
into the unknown.
Trusting someone with her life,
Trying to conquer fear and strife.
Her eyes reaching for home--
Outspread arms always there,
For one of the few who will ever care.
Bended knees--
Big jump on three--
OK Daddy--please catch me.

Wasn't it just yesterday?
Sitting on the porch as she skips in the yard,
Wanting to swing, but he's worked hard.
Another chance gone astray,
Lights on--fridge full.
But its with her dad she wants to play.
Sometimes he pushes her in the swing,
Many moons in between.
Higher! Higher! Higher!
Faster! Faster! Faster!
Never wanting it to stop nor him to go,
Like a fish will swim or an eagle will fly,
On his shoulders she kisses the sky.
Called again to the fiery ring,
Don't leave Daddy, please--lets swing.

Today--the future is here.
We walk down the aisle--a new son to gain.
Hollow happiness--singing--dancing--pain.
Memories--opportunities--time.
Little girl little girl where did you go?
Ponytails and carrousels--
Playing in the snow.
You never ask of dad anymore,
To hold your hand or roll on the floor.
Your life is so full of others now a days,
He has your heart and sails your waves.
I long for the times WE splashed in the sea, And the
words I still cherish,
Daddy--Hold me.

      -- by Michael Mills, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule.

The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. So he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to   bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him.

It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!

This he did, blow after blow.
"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself.

No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You are right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL!

What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US!

Remember that FORGIVENESS-FAITH-PRAYER-PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!