TO THE EDITOR Thoughts from Joy Mountain

I went with a friend on a ladies retreat on Joy Mountain near Ashville, N.C. A lady sang this song and recited the poem that went with it.

I thought to myself I had many regrets in my life, but this song was exactly how I feel.

I don't regret a mile I've traveled for the Lord, and I don't regret a time that I've trusted in His word.

I've seen the years go by many days without a song, but I don't regret a mile that I've traveled for the Lord.

I've dreamed many a dream that's never come true - and I've seen them vanish at dawn.

But I've realized enough of my dreams - thank God - to make me keep dreaming on.

And I've gotten out of bed many a times in the midnight hour - to pray a prayer that seemed no answer would come; though I waited patient and long.

Answers have come to enough of my prayers to make me keep praying on.

I've trusted many a friend who has failed me, and left me to weep alone.

But I've enough of those friends to be true blue to make me keep trusting on.

I've sowed many a seed that's fell by the wayside, for the birds to feed upon.

But I've held enough of those 'Golden Showers" in my hand to make me keep sowing on!

And I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain, and I've gone many a day without a song.

But I've sipped enough "Nectar" from the "Rose of Life" to make me want to keep living on.

BETTY BANKS