My Tribute to Barb —

You’ve been here for 5 years now. Well, I’ve been here forever.
I thought I’d seen and done it all.
Then we got stuck together.

I was at a point in life where I needed to find my place
With fear I applied, for the job-of-my-dreams
Then turned, and found you in my face

A little un-nerved I felt at first, for I tend to lean toward quiet
Wasn’t quite sure what to make of you
How would I keep up with this riot?

I remember when I first met you, and didn’t like your looks
Had no idea of God’s good plan
Over mounds and mounds of books.

So I started in your department, in time to prepare for a move
With a bulging library that needed sorting
I quickly fell into the groove.

And so we came those Saturdays and often-times we stayed
For hours sorting, stacking, packing
While progress was slowly made.

Now the God we serve is detailed. Knows the future and the past
He counts our hairs. He names each star
He puts those we need in our paths.

And in that library amidst dust and flurry, we began to share our lives
Found we had more in common than not
Including the day, we each became wives!

God birthed a special friendship, gave us an unusual bond.
Who could have known how I would need you?
When I reached my “Slough of Despond.”

Our God knew, and prepared us both. For as my life came crashing down
Your hands were the ones that held my head
Above water, so I wouldn’t drown.

This water was deep and I couldn’t swim,
Yet you showed me how to lean
On God and my convictions, and then leave the rest to Him.

You’ve taught me a lot and so I’m learning, to pull up a chair and join in
To speak boldly – to get angry
But to stop before I sin.

Whether library sorting, or gathering data – we do work well together
A construction job, or a forecast report
It seems like I’ve known you forever.

You’re my friend. You’re my boss. My reality check.
You’re the sister I never knew.
The most unselfish person I’ve ever met
How grateful I am to know you!

Written February 2002
Copyright © 2021 by Terri Art

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