He was a strong man, sitting silent in the sun;
Able to manage hours and days, to face a steady run.
His strength was not of muscle, tendon, bone and hand
But in his character; a giving servant takes his stand.
His choice to be a person with so many friends,
Because he’s nice, and kind, he listens well, helps others mend.
Strong in his heart and soul because he prays each day,
And ponders meanings others fail to see amid the fray.
As early morning breaks it matters not how bleak,
His day is shaped by clearer, bluer skies, by faith; he seeks
To be a servant of his Lord, to do God’s will; each day
The storms that swirl have no alarm. Eternal calm holds sway.
The man may find a weariness descend within,
But rest is never far away, renewal comes to him.
With rest, he launches forth to reach another mile,
With confidence and inner peace to guide him all the while.
When evening comes, if troubling times of woe proceed,
A warmth of Presence builds anew to steady all his needs.
What joy when one can live with inner strength at hand,
A servant prone to serve with taste, when some don’t understand.
Arise to face the day with trust and serve with joy,
Knowing no pain, nor fear. Holding no malice, nor employ
A bag of noxious attitudes that sap the heart,
But live by faith in God; it is love’s counterpart.
(June 1999)