A poem for high school graduates (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)

The world’s your oyster. The world’s your stage.
Your future awaits, so turn the page.

The Lord will guide you. So, trust His plans.
Just say “Your wish is my command.”

Look in your heart. What brings delight?
Embrace your gift. Turn on the light.

God made you just the way you are.
So go with that and you’ll go far.

But far begins with one small step.
So lace your shoes and then expect
to run your race at your own speed.
Don’t fret about who’s in the lead.

This thing called life’s a marathon.
It’s not a sprint. So, carry on!

Along the way, you’ll trip and fall.
You’ll bruise your knees and that’s not all.

Your pride will smart, but that’s okay.
That’s how you learn to make your way.

So, each new day look in the mirror.
Confront yourself and what you fear.

Be sure to give yourself a smile.
It’s good to celebrate each mile.

Along the path that you will go,
who cares if you go fast or slow.

Remind yourself God’s in control
and He will help you reach your goals.

What matters most is making time
to pace yourself and read the signs
of where to go and what to do.
The future does depend on you.

It depends on how you define the terms

We’re an open and affirming clan
to those who long to understand
the Father’s plan for life and joy
based in His heart of love.

We are open to the Word of God
and to His grace that’s deep and broad
as we affirm our tendency
to skirt His righteousness.

We are open to express our views
aware they might ignite a fuse
and yet we still affirm our vow
to live in unity.

We are open and affirming, too.
We’re open to embrace what’s new
if it affirms God’s timeless truth
that never will grow old.

Remembering fallen heroes with grateful hearts

We’ve gathered in this park-like place
reminded of Your timeless grace
displayed upon a rugged cross
and in an empty tomb.

Your grace reminds us as we grieve
it’s not our loved ones that we leave
but simply earth-suits that they wore
before they changed their clothes.

These stones engraved within the grass
remind us every time we pass
that life is brief and death is sure
and we’d best be prepared.

Each chiseled marker grand or plain
recalls a soldier with a name
who left their mark in history
before they fell asleep.

And with this sleeping company
awaiting Gabriel’s reveille,
we fix our hope on what’s to come
and look to You alone.

And so, dear God, remind us now
(as we with grateful hearts now bow)
that death has paid the price for life,
that “freedom isn’t free”.

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of modern Israel’s birth

On May 14th of ’48
(against the backdrop of much hate),
the promised land was realized
as Israel was born.

Another exodus occurred
in keeping with God’s holy Word.
Survivors of the holocaust
escaped a living hell.

So to “The Land” the homeless came,
an ancient homeland to reclaim.
A dream come true provided hope
for these who’d been dispersed.

Where David reigned (Jerusalem)
was in the headlines once again.
A city of shalom for all?
Well, only time would tell.

And so this week as we recall
the Jews return to ancient walls,
we pray for peace where war has raged
since Abraham arrived.

• “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return and come with singing unto Zion and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads…” Isaiah 35:10

In recognition of National Nurses Week

They’re angels of mercy and kindness.
And though they lack halos and wings,
these men and these women do wonders
that make our Creator’s heart sing.

Their service is often unnoticed.
They rarely hear what they deserve.
But nurses are those God intended
to comfort the sick and calm nerves.

Let’s hear it for uniformed angels,
our nurses and CNAs, too.
We can’t really do life without them.
They make the world better. It’s true!