Brown Spots

I found myself again analyzing my Forsythia shrub the other day.
This time, the leaves were shriveled and curled.
Brown spots dotted the brilliant green growth.
Something was working to stop the recovery of this persistent bush.
It was then that I noticed the field next to our yard
Brown and dying.
It had been sprayed to stop the growth of weeds
And in the process the overspray had drifted
affecting the new life blooming forward in my yard.

My mind couldn’t help but wander to the barrage of news these days.
The news for our recovery from this virus is bleak,
Despite states opening back up.
The press doles out information,
Reporting expert opinions that we should believe.
But what really should we trust?
Conflicting reports come out stating just the opposite.
That this is all conspiracy.
That the pandemic has a hidden agenda.
It seems like a poison that has blown over our lives,
All these controversial viewpoints.
All this back and forth.
Are they meant to cloud our judgement
So we are just confused and fearful?

But before I get mired down in all the brown spots,
I have to refocus on the green.
The spots may be small,
The curling may be evident,
But these new little leaves only see the sunshine
And soak up the rain,
As they reach for the sky and new life.

We have to realize that these stains spotting our life right now,
Are just as temporary as those speckling my new foliage.
For we, too, have the choice to focus on the Son
And soak up His truth.
His everlasting truth.
Where His love rains down on us
Constant and pure.
Never confusing or deceiving.
With roots deep in our faith,
We can weather this passing disruption
And continue to blossom and shine for Him.