One person all alone, stands silent in the sun;
Able to manage hours and days, to face a steady run.
But strength is not of muscle, tendon, bone and hand,
But in one’s character; a giving servant takes a stand.
The choice, to be a person with so many friends,
Because its nice, and kind, to listen well, help others mend.
Strong in the heart and soul, because it’s prayer each day,
We ponder meanings others fail to see amid the fray.
As early morning breaks it matters not how bleak,
The day is shaped by clearer, bluer skies, by faith; one seeks
To be a servant of the Lord, to do God’s will;
The storms that swirl have no alarm. Eternal calm does fill.
Sometimes we find a weariness descend within,
But rest is never far away, renewal comes again.
With rest, one can go forth to reach another goal,
With confidence and inner peace to guide toward feeling whole.
When evening comes, if troubling times of woe proceed,
A warmth of Presence builds anew to steady all our 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, by trusting God; it is love’s counterpart.
(1999)