The Scars of Blessing

I've been meaning to post this since I composed it at Christmas, but I've obviously been busy. A thought by Tim Keller on Jacob wrestling with God sparked my thoughts and I worked out a few lines, though I am no poet. I really wanted to remind myself not to bail on God when future nights of wrestling come, but to stick it out until He blesses me, scars notwithstanding. I don't want to waste the opportunities put before me!

Dedicated to two friends who are currently wrestling through a long night...

The Scars of Blessing
Jacob wrestling with the Lord, doesn't look like blessing,
the pains of a long dark night, are rarely praised in song.
But his wrestling ends in scars, the Father's love to show,
scars remembered and lived out, ignores the pain below.
Cherished scars are rarely had, for wrestlings left undone,
too oft the opportunity is "needless" or "un-fun."
The blessing of such moments, so painful in the midst,
far more precious than fine gold, poured into your fist.
The sweetness of the blessing, is not in changed events,
nor change in circumstances, no matter what comes hence.
But the blessing is the Son, our God Immanuel,
who accompanies each one, dispensing grace in full.
Yes the limps and scars remain, of treasures to remind,
and turn our thoughts to heaven, our hearts in his to bind.