Count My Blessings

“What is life?” My conscience asked. “What does it mean to truly

live?”

I pondered further on this as to what explanation I would give.

To live is to succeed, I thought; to profit, achieve, and win.

Money is all I really need to allow my face a grin.

I shed the sweat, I shed the tears; whatever necessary to reach my

goal.

I was now a doe, I feared; no longer a carefree foal.

“I did it!” I cried, “I have success!” and praise they to me did give.

But I felt it deepen, the hole in my chest– this musn’t be to live.

I ran unto the barley field, a tear dancing down my face.

Indeed, I had succeeded, though; so why felt I disgrace?

I cried to God, “What can I do? Frankly, I am spent.

I thought to live was to succeed, and after the wind I went.”

The clouds, like a drum, rumbled as they came, and filled the sky with

a curtain,

And suddenly, my legs gave way; I would watch this show for certain.

The sky ripped open as tiny diamonds poured out over land.

As far and wide as eyes could see, the beauty was stunning and grand.

My thoughts, indeed, did run away as the storm surrounded me

And like never before, I can say that I felt truly free.

My bare feet, sore from time, felt the wet mud underneath.

My nose could smell the fresh array; joy surrounded me like a wreath.

My burdened back was up against the tough ground of this world,

And I watched the wind tease the barley as it swayed and twirled.

“Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” I passionately cried,

“For He has shown me His beauty when diligently I tried

To find the meaning of this life, but not to Him abide.

To live is not to own the shiniest of swords;

To live is to experience the blessings of the LORD.”

* * *

Isabella Ferreira is a homeschooled junior and the winner of

the Fall 2025 High School Writing Contest