Barry wrote this and I could not resist sharing.  Barry’s son Thomas battles a neurological disorder.  

The Student and the Teacher

by: Barry Lynch

I couldn’t wait for him to come into this world,

But he refused to be of this world.

I hoped he would be healthy and strong,

But God’s grace was sufficient for him.

I hoped he would cry,

But I was the one who experienced the gift of mercy.

I hoped he would drink of his mother’s milk,

But it was I who had to learn to live on God’s Holy Provision.

I hoped he would grow,

But I was the one that needed to grow in my faith.

I hoped he would sleep through the night,

But it was my doubt which kept me up nights.

I hoped he would hold up his head

Only it was I who had to learn to keep my head high as the world pitied.

I wanted him to learn to focus his eyes,

But now I see

I hoped he would roll over,

But it was I who had to turn to the Holy Spirit

I hoped he would crawl

But I was the one who learned to move by faith

I hoped he would stand

But Christ was the one who rose and overcame

I hoped he would walk,

But it was I who needed to be carried

I hoped he would speak my name

But now I listen to the still soft voice of the Lord

I wanted him to be brave and unafraid of the dark,

I was the one trembling in fear as he shone for the world

I hoped he would learn from my example

It was I that had to become the student

I hoped I would leave a legacy,

But his impact on this world far surpasses anything I will every achieve

I just wanted him to live,

But I was the one who had to die to this world in order to gain.