A poem to end the season

When you turn around and see what has come to be, I hope you give yourself some grace as you hold what has become.

For all that was and all that is, let all of this be a reminder that you found a way to make it to and through another day.

You pushed and fell your way forward, tripped and stumbled, got turned around, mixed up, lost, and found, and took leaps of faith while being carried every step of the way.

You were carried every step of the way.

Through the change and trying and the seasons of trying to change, here you remain.

Fight it if you may, but you are loved all the same.

And maybe you and I are the same.

I’ve got pockets full of unanswered prayers and prayers answered in ways I never saw coming my way.

I’ve made it through night after night and have been welcomed again and again by the morning light.

I’ve grown and gone on, returned and been wrong.

I’ve wished and wondered and waited for this and that and the other.

I’ve searched and fought, been found and lost in thought.

I’ve tried to not lose my mind or believe the lie that I am behind.

Maybe you get what I am trying to say.

And maybe you’re like me and believe it’s all going to be okay.

As we see what has come to be, let’s begin with slowing down and remembering once again that we are far from the end.

As another new beginning arrives, hold what has become.

The broken and beautiful.

The sorrow and joy.

The heaviness and heartbreak.

The miracles and mysteries.

Look and receive.

Open your hands and breathe.

Turn around and see that goodness continues to follow you and me.

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.