
Baseline Weekly - The Best Part of My Day

An original poem inspired by Psalm 103:13 and true events.
The best part of my day, when my kids were young,
Was picking them up from school
Seeing their faces brought so much joy,
But I was determined to play it cool
Can’t make a scene in front of their friends
Or embarrass them with my embraces
But my heart’s desire was to shout my delight
At seeing their beloved faces
As homework was gathered and backpacks zipped up
My anticipation began to grow
For the joy-filled stroll from classroom to car
Where my love could overflow
As we walked together, I’d stretch out my arm
‘Round the shoulder of one child or two
“How was your day?” I’d often say
“What did you learn that is new?”
The answers they gave to the questions I asked
Wasn’t what mattered so much
It was the walk itself and the care expressed
Through my gentle and loving touch
From classroom to car was not so far
A brief walk by any measure
But the moments we shared on that simple trek
Were ones that I came to treasure
Some years later, I found myself
In a season of struggle and grief
My heart began to stray from God
As I misguidedly sought out relief
In the midst of my pain and discouragement
God felt so far away
With wavering faith, I turned to a friend
And asked her if we could pray
We listened to God on my behalf
Seeking him for a word
Quiet together, for a minute or two,
Then my friend revealed what she’d heard
“God shared with me a vision for you
That perhaps you’ll understand
I saw Jesus himself walking next to you
But instead of holding your hand
His arm is laid across your back,
His hand resting on your shoulder
You look like you’re 9 or 10 years old
Or maybe a little older”
Upon hearing her words and the image she shared
My tears began to fall
Sweet memories rose up of those after-school walks
So easy for me to recall
And in my soul, God whispered these words
Spoken so clear and true
“The best part of your day is exactly the way
That my heart takes delight in you.”
My burdens fell, the darkness fled,
Light and joy came in
The Father’s love, so full of grace
Washed away my sin
I came to see that it wasn’t me
Who somehow had wandered away
He was by my side the entire time
He’s the God who came to stay
The love of God for each beloved child
Is a mystery without measure
May the very best part of all of our days
Be found resting in his pleasure