Stumbling Blocks

I’ve heard it said that stepping stones are stumbling blocks at rest,

And you really can climb over them when you give the task your best.

But how do you know a stumbling block has tumbled past its prime

And left a helpful stepping stone to lift you up this time?

It comes as inspiration, a sudden flash of light

Illuminating corners in the darkest black of night.

It comes as confirmation that you’re traveling the wrong path

That perhaps you’ve not partaken of the gifts the Savior hath.

It comes as balm of Gilead to a hurt and wounded soul

Promising the miracle of a life again made whole.

It comes quite unexpectedly after deep despair

And usually in answer to sincere and humble prayer.

A contrite spirit is required ‘ere the answer will appear

And that can’t be accomplished while harboring worldly fear.

But when it comes you’ll know for sure for gloom will be dispelled

Replaced with calm assurance that in His arms you’re held.

And if you can but just believe the promise that you’ve found

By following His sweet promptings, your life will turn around.

And as you once again step forward following His light

You just may come to realize how far you strayed from right.

For as we know in latter days, this estate is but a test

To see if we will give the Lord our sincere and humble best.

Not all of us will pass this test and some won’t make it home

A risk we knew before we came, that forever we might roam.

But the lessons this test brought to light will surely strenghten you

And prepare your battered spirit for another round or two.

For in the fight ‘tween dark and light, the scramble for your soul,

We musn’t long step off the path lest we fall short of our goal.

So as you use your stumbling block to step back towards His grace

Remember that a stumbling block stays not long in place.

It will move on and tumble off, then come to rest once more;

Becoming the helpful stepping stone your soul was yearning for.

– Barbara A. Holmes ©2010