It is funny how things happen.  I was journaling this morning on the way into the office about something that has been a real issue for me, frustration.  Frustration and discouragement seems to creep upon me more easily the past few weeks. I believe this is happening, because so many things in my life are unfinished and there many unanswered questions, as well as the stress and hours of my job at this time.  Anyway, I just finished writing and was reflecting on what I had written and had my iPod shuffling through my 3000+ list of tunes when I found comfort.  In that moment a Shawn McDonald’s song ‘Take Hold’ started up and I seriously cannot remember the last time I heard the song.  It is funny how a song that never really meant much to me brought hope and encouraged me right when I was needing it.

Here are the lyrics:

There is no hope up in your eyes,
as if the blue had left your skies,
The sadness fills you cheeks of stone,
Maybe you believe you are alone. 

Your face is shone with quiet despair,
as if this was what you chose to wear,
Your sin you strap upon your chest,
as if there was no longer rest, longer rest.

Take hold, don’t give up.
You gotta make the best of what you got,
Give it all you best shot,
Take hold, don’t give up.

Your heart seems to have hit the floor,
but I do believe you’re meant to soar,
The enemy’s wounds, they must go deep,
but I pray the Lord your soul to keep.

There is no taking back those days a gone,
But now it’s your chance just to move on.
Make the best of the life you live,
‘Cause before Him you soon will give.
You soon will give.