On October 2, 2006 we were all brought to our knees when we learned of the tragic shooting of ten Amish children in a country schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Lancaster County, PA. The Amish community was put to the test, but having placed their faith in God, they reached out to the family of the man who killed and maimed their children. In a marvelous act of forgiveness, they set up funds, not only for their own, but for the wife and children of the man who did the dastardly deed.

Most of us will never have to deal with an event like that in our own personal lives, and yet we each have our own tragedies that tend to overwhelm us. I would like to dedicate this little poem to all who dealt with that tragedy last Monday, and particularly to the Amish community in this time of great sorrow.

The Tide Moves In

Crashing Waves
Crashing Waves
The tide comes in; the tide goes out;
Its movement never ceases.
The waves roll in upon the shore,
And dash my dreams to pieces.

Troubles come and troubles go;
I deal with each tomorrow.
Yet sometimes when the waves roll in,
I'm overwhelmed by sorrow.

When burdens bring me to my knees,
I deal with each new day.
While on my knees, I must look up;
My heart is moved to pray.

The tide moves in; the tide goes out;
And so it will forever.
I'll build my dreams upon a rock,
Where hope can ne'er be severed.

Copyright © Jay D Weaver - October 14, 2006

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