The Life of the Rich Young Ruler...Mid Life Crisis!

A few days ago, we meet the rich young ruler as he encountered the Lord Jesus and ask him what he could do to inherit eternal life. If we had been standing along the side of the dusty road that had led him to Jesus, we would have seen him leave the same way he came...but not in the same state of mind.

When our young man approached Jesus that day, he was expecting to get a pat on the back for his well chosen lifestyle and the many good things he had done by keeping the commandments. In fact, he had bragged to Christ that he had kept all those commandments that Jesus mentioned from the days of his early youth. However, Christ told him what he lacked and what was now required for him to do if he was sincere in his search for eternal life....and as we see from our nearby proximity, he turns and walks away; head hung low, drooped shoulders, furrowed brow, a scowl on his face and no swagger to his step. Why? Because he could not do what Christ commanded him to do.

So what happens to this young man as the years roll by? Does he change his mind set sometime later and make the necessary change that Jesus required him to make? I think not since we all know the old saying, "A leopard can't change its spots." So what happens to the young man as the years stack up...I think Jesus may have given us a hint of what became of our rich young ruler in Luke 12:16-21.

In the verses that precede our focal passage, Jesus is dealing with a family dispute over an inheritance and tells the petitioner who has asked him to arbitrate this matter, “Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting to have more and more things. Life is not made up of how much a person has.” It is at this point that he turns to his disciples, the crowd and us if we are listening;

Then Jesus told them a story. He said, “A certain rich man’s land produced a very large crop. He thought to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have any place to store my crops." “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones. I will store my extra grain in them.  I’ll say to myself, You have plenty of grain stored away for many years. Take life easy. Eat, drink and have a good time.” “But God said to him, ‘You foolish man! Tonight I will take your life away from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ And then Jesus brought this wonderful teaching lesson to a poignant conclusion as only He can when He said;  “That is how it will be for whoever stores things away for themselves but is not rich in the sight of God.”

I can't help but see the face of that rich young ruler in this story. Lines have begun to etch his once young, handsome face; his physique is battled and bruised from years of self-indulgence; aches and pains now greet him at the start of each new day and remind him that there are less days before him than there are days behind him. But that has not kept him from pursing his one true love...wealth and the many things that such wealth can afford him.

I can see the dilemma that his land manager has presented him as he shares the news that there are more crops lying in the fields than his barns can currently hold. What does the master of the estate want him to do? Should he burn the fields and prepare for next season? Or harvest the crop and give the yield away to the poor and needy? I can just see the rich man pacing to and fro across his Persian rugs as he wrings his hands and wipes his brow.

And then, without batting an eye, it hits him....TEAR DOWN WHAT HE HAS AND BUILD BIGGER BARNS IN ORDER TO KEEP MORE....THUS ASSURING THAT MANY GOOD AND PROPSPEROUS DAYS STILL LIE AHEAD!

There is only one problem with that thought...thoughts like that which throughout his many years of building his wealth have come with ease, just as natural as taking a breath. His thought....

WHAT MATTERS MOST IS.....ME!!!!

We can see from this story that the thought of sharing his great abundance with others in need NEVER enters his mind...he is still that same rich young man, now just trapped in an older man's body. His mind set has never been altered or swayed from seeking money, things, power or fame. He may still see himself as "good" but his heart and soul worship his GOD of wealth.

The saddest part of this story is the reflection of so many of us as we peer into the mirror. We see closets filled overflowing with clothes we never wear; boxes and boxes of "things" collected over the years; not priceless family heirlooms, but STUFF....that unless we have marked the outside of the box, we have no earthly idea what it is or why we are keeping it.

In the neighborhood in which I live, almost everyone has a two-car garage; however, I would guesstimate that less than half of my fellow neighbors can park one, let alone, two cars in their garage. Why? TOO MUCH STUFF THAT THEY ARE STORING IN THE PLACE MEANT TO PARK THEIR CAR...and yet, we are each more like the rich man in this story that we would willingly admit.

I wish I could offer a happy ending for our rich man in the middle of his midlife crisis; but the story ends as it will for all of us...at some point in your life, God will say, "IT IS OVER!"  And since none of us have ever seen a U-HAUL being towed behind a hearse, we can be assured that you cannot take your STUFF (wealth) with you to the next life. So, as God asked the rich man as he told him of his final fate...

WHO GETS WHAT YOU ARE LEAVING BEHIND (my paraphrase)...and my question;

WAS IT WORTH IT ALL TO GATHER GREAT WEALTH (stuff/things) AND NEGLECT THE THINGS OF GOD...To be rich toward God and to know His blessings in this life prepares us for our life of service to come. So, don't get caught up in gaining and holding on to things...

RATHER... Keep your hands and fingers flexible so that you do not hold too tightly to the things of this world, but rather be a conduit of God's grace and abundance in your life, so that you can serve God anonymously in whatever situation God lays before you.

If you do this, then Christ will never have to tell the story of you... as the rich man who lived a foolish life. Yes, I believe there is a good possibility that in the continuing saga in the life of the rich young ruler, he became a very rich man by holding tightly to all he could possess...and then, dying and leaving it all behind to someone who did not share his same affinity for things...thus, it counted  for naught on the scales of life.

So how do you measure up today? Are you ready to tear down barns to make room for more stuff? Or are you living life, day to day, with an open hand, open heart and open checkbook?

I truly believe that if you want to see where your heart truly lies as you live out your life, waiting and working in service for God, just look at the entries in your check book or check the charges on your credit card statement....it will tell you if you are living to share in your abundance or building bigger barns!

Living as a Rich man...Wealthy in the Ways of Christ,

WPQ

The Life of the Rich Young Ruler....

In all three of the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, we find the story of the rich young ruler...but perhaps Mark's telling of this close encounter with Jesus is the most perceptive and riveting version of this meeting. It begins as follows in Mark 10:17- 22:

 As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”  

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “No one is good except God alone."

"You know the commandments: Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not defraud; honor your father and mother.”

He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” Looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, Come follow me.”   But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

Let's begin to examine this meeting in closer detail as we begin to delve into the life of this rich young man. First off, he has, at some point, come to hear and know something about this wandering teacher and must believe in some manner that Jesus is divinely inspired and therefore, he must have the inside knowledge of what is needed to inherit eternal life. On this point, we can count him as being very astute; but Jesus wants to know for sure who he is dealing with in this encounter....a religious zealot or a true seeker of the truth? So to measure the young ruler's understanding of who Jesus is, He asks him point blank, "Why do you call me good?"

It is poignant to note that this wealthy young man is probably some type of local magistrate or religious ruler in the local synagogue; he is not a Roman citizen since he would never have addressed Jesus as "teacher" if that was the case. It is clear that Jesus wants to let him know that NO ONE, including this young man, can be considered good...for in God's eyes, GOOD IS PERFECT...and only GOD and His Son, Jesus, fit that description.

So, if the young man considers himself to be good, Christ tells him to obey the commandments.

In fact, in Mathews telling of this meeting in his Gospel, chapter 19; the young ruler actually ask Jesus, "Which ones?"...which is almost akin to believing that some of the commandments are more important to obey than others?  But Jesus, as always filled with love and compassion, names for him the commandments that deal with how we treat our fellow human companions...for we know that in Scripture, we are asked,  how can one love God whom they have not seen, when in fact, we do not love our "neighbors" whom we have seen?

Now, for me, here is where the young man begins to walk on "shaky" ground for he replies;

“Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” I have always questioned his answer to the Master, who knows all and sees all. It is here that Christ could have written this young ruler off and went on about his travels; but that is not the heart of our Savior. I am quite confident that Christ knew that the young man had not been as successful at keeping the Ten Commandments as he may have thought...and may have well breached the one that deals with giving false witness or lying. It is the next part of this passage that cuts to the core, for only Christ knew what was about to happen. It says in Mark's telling that Christ looked on him and...HE LOVED HIM!!!! Yes, Jesus loved this young man and wanted to see him come to a fulfilling commitment in a true loving and obedient relationship with Christ...something that Christ wants for each of us who are seeking to inherit eternal life.

Christ then tells him the one thing that he lacks...or as told in Matthew's gospel, Jesus says to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have

 treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Why did Christ say to him "If you would be perfect,".. simply put, because that is the only condition in which you may gain entrance into eternal life...either live a life of perfection adhering to each and every commandment (which is a complete and utter impossibility) or trust in Christ and His shed blood to make you "perfect" in the eyes of a true and holy GOD. Christ knew that the rich young ruler lacked the ability to "keep all the commandments" and whether he wanted to admit it or not, he had already failed in that endeavor...his only hope was JESUS.

So Jesus gave him an ultimatum; not a suggestion nor hopeful request, that when accomplished, would assure him of eternal life. Jesus called him out and told him to let go of what had already become an idol in his life...HIS GREAT WEALTH. The act of selling all his goods and possessions was not a way to buy his way into heaven nor a way to do something that would assure that God took notice of his so-called "goodness." Giving to the poor is GOOD; but it in no way makes you good!

No, Christ wanted the young man to see that his wealth was a stumbling block from serving God, and it would always stand in his way to be used by God in a true and meaningful way. In fact, it is the last part of the ultimatum that carries the most weight as we seek to claim eternal life for ourselves...COME, FOLLOW ME!

If we truly want to belong to God, to be called to be joint heirs with Christ so that we might receive the crown of righteousness, we must not let ANYTHING stand in our way ....be it WEALTH, FAMILY, CAREER, POSITION, FAME OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD SIT ON THE THRONE OF OUR LIFE...We must simply follow where Christ leads.

The last verse in each gospel that shares the story of this rich young ruler ends with the same sad conclusion ..."But he went away sorrowful, for he had great wealth."

What stumbling block stands in your way from following Christ? No matter what it is...IT CAN BE OVERCOME...with the help and support of a loving Savior! Don't turn your back on the one who gave His all so that you would not have to die a sinner's death and face eternal separation from your loving, Heavenly Father...don't leave your encounter with Christ and turn away just to hold tightly to something that will only erode and fade with the passage of time...don't let your life's story have the same sad ending as this rich young man.

In fact, come back again real soon  to hear two other stories that, with a little imagination, quite possibly involve this same man in his later years.....spoiler alert, it is not a pretty picture even then!

Until we meet again ...or stand inside the Pearly gate,

GOD BLESS YOU REAL GOOD...

WPQ

Tribute to Our Fallen ….Memorial Day 2020

Bombs exploding, bullets flying… upon this dying field;

Each man to give his all…his spirit he must yield.

To march to that beating drum…to follow, to be led

As comrades fall around him…living…dying… dead.

What great honor compels a man to pledge to give his life?

To focus all his energies to bring peace where now is strife.

What great passion ignites a man to stand for freedom’s cause?

What leads him into battle without question, without pause?

It is the hope of every man; it is freedom’s Holy Grail

To stand and be victorious …against all evil to prevail.

It is the spirit of hearts united that welcomes freedom’s call

And answer as one in unison …to pledge to give our all.

So on this special day, we’ve set aside to praise;

To lift our voices in one accord; our glasses we now raise…

And offer heart-felt gratitude for those who gave their best

To grant to us Sweet Liberty and though now, they lay at rest….

Let not their voice be silenced for as freedom’s anthem ring;

As angels in great chorus, the songs of freedom sing….

May their sacrifice be worth it all….May truth and valor lead the way…

May we honor those who died for us on this MEMORIAL DAY!

W. Patrick Queen

Copyright May 2009

GOD BLESS THE USA AND THE MANY MEN AND WOMEN WHO

DIED TO PRESERVE OUR FREEDOM….THIS DAY IS DEDICATED TO

EACH OF THEM WHO GAVE THEIR ALL ON THE BATTLEFIELD.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT SACRIFICE TO YOUR GOD AND YOUR COUNTRY AND MAY YOU RECEIVE THE HONOR AND GLORY DUE YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE SO THAT YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS MIGHT LIVE FREE....

Forever honored....FOREVER FREE,

WPQ

Memorial Day Celebration -May 2020

We each should be thankful and considered blessed to live in such a great country that allows us to freely speak our minds and share our thoughts ...even if they are not politically correct. It is my prayer in celebrating our upcoming Memorial Day that we may all feel that it is good to be an American and in so doing, we will bless the name of the Lord for our good fortune. Remember, some have given some for all; all have given some for all but on this Memorial Day, let us honor those that they gave their last full measure of devotion for us all. May we each stand tall and say for those who have given themselves in sacrifice....

I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

I am proud to be an American

In this land of sweet Liberty;

For those who have gone before

And died to keep us free.

I am one with those whose blood cries out

From lands across the sea...

Who gave their all in sacrifice

To protect our sweet liberties.

I stand with those whose struggles

Keep them downtrodden and forlorn;

And I mourn with every mother

For the child that was never born.

I lift up the broken-hearted

With their Spirit,  I too weep;

And lament with those who have no place

To lay their head in peaceful sleep.

I champion those, our desperate ones

And pray for them sweet rest;

For the sure and ever present beat

Of freedom in each breast.

I unite with those whom I oppose

So together strong we stand...

In defense of this great nation

And the God who rules this land.

Oh, I am PROUD to be an American

So on this bright and glorious day;

May my actions and deeds speak louder

Than the words you hear me say.

Yes,  I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

Thus my prayer will always be;

That God will shower His blessings upon

 This land of the BRAVE and FREE!!!!

W. Patrick Queen  ©  January 20, 2017

Honesty....Always the Best Policy?

This is a reprint of a former blog...and maybe it's come at just the right time?

If you've ever seen the movie, "A Few Good Men," you no doubt remember the famous interchange between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson...Cruise is just looking for the truth to which Nicholson responds, "You can't handle the truth!!!!

And for most of us, we might agree that sometimes the truth is a little hard to swallow...like if your doctor tells you that you are 40 pounds overweight and if you don't change your life style and lose weight, you won't be on this side of the dirt much longer. Or your husband of 35 years tells you that he is no longer in love and wants a divorce...bad news is often disguised as the truth and no matter how you try to soften the blow, the truth is still going to hurt and cause pain.

But since it is said that "laughter is the best medicine,"  I wanted to bring a little levity to the pages of Salt & Light and remind everyone that the truth is the truth and some people have a hard time dealing with it....which brings me to my story of a young boy just trying to tell the truth; maybe, there's a lesson here for us all. The story goes like this...

One day at school, my teacher asked what my favorite animal was...and I said, "Fried Chicken." She replied that my answer was not funny, but I think she was wrong since everybody except her laughed. My parents had always taught me to tell the truth, and I did. FRIED CHICKEN is my favorite animal. She sent me to the principal's office and I told him what happened...and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do that again!

That night when I told my dad what had happened at school, he explained that my teacher was probably a member of PETA...and those people really love animals a whole bunch. I said I love animals too; especially chicken, pigs and cows.

The next day, my teacher asked, "What is your favorite LIVE animal?" And I said, "Chicken!" When she asked me why, I said, "Because you can make them into Fried Chicken." Everybody laughed and I got send back to the principal's office. I told him what happened; he laughed and told me not to do that again.

I must say I am really confused. My parents told me to be honest, but my teacher doesn't like it when I am and she sends me to the principal's office.

Today, she asked me what famous military person I admired most...I said, "Colonel Sanders."

Guess where I am now?

So, whenever you have to deliver the "truth" ...DO SO; but remember the one who receives it may not take it as well as you might expect. So, mix in some levity if you can...put in a dash of tenderness and a big pinch of compassion...and by all means, stir thoroughly with love and understanding, so hopefully the truth will not leave them broken and dispirited .

If we follow these simple guidelines,  maybe we will be able to handle the truth and we'll all be better for it!!

Speaking the Truth in Love,

WPQ

A POEM FOR THE DAY...BE BLESSED!

WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE?

What will it be like

When Heaven's doors swing wide?

And I hear the chorus of angels

Beckon me to come inside.

What will it be like

To hear Heaven's chorus raise...

Songs of praise and worship

That fill all our nights and days?

What will it be like

When I stand motionless in that place?

I'll hear the sweetness in His voice

And see the compassion on His face.

What will it be like

To hear the Master say...

"Come and tarry with me, my child

For you've come home to stay."

What will it be like

When at last my race is won;

When my Savior takes me in His arms

And says to me; "WELL DONE!"

For that is why we live each day

Seeking to do His will;

So in that blessed moment

When all of Heaven stands still...

The harps will not make a sound

The angels will no longer sing....

As we each await the pronouncement

Of Heaven's eternal King.

Then Jesus will rise from His heavenly throne

As we stand breathless before the SON;

He'll hold us each in His warm embrace

And whisper to each of us so loved....

"Well done my child, WELL DONE!!!!"

W. Patrick Queen  ©  May 2020

A Strange Mother's Day - May 2020

For many of those who may be reading this, it will indeed be the strangest Mother's Day we have ever encountered. I am well aware that many of us make it a VERY SPECIAL EVENT each year, around this time, as we set aside this day to honor the one who brought us into this world and gave us life. Some, on the other hand really do little, if anything at all, to honor their mother on Mother's Day...whether spurred on from abohrrent life choices of their Mom; or as the victim of restraints of time and travel, we conveniently pass off this day as just another Sunday in May, with little thought to reaching out to our moms. For others like myself, whose Mom passed  away almost 20 years ago, this can be a day of bittersweet memories and some lingering regrets...but in an effort I made some 40 years ago, I wrote the following poem to try, in some way, share with my Mother the profound effects that being her son had on me.

If your mother is still alive, but you are locked down due to the continuing effects of the Covid-19 virus and can't get up close to spend time with her; don't miss the opportunity today to let your mother know how much her love and support has meant to you in your life thus far....and if your can't find the words to say, fill free to use mine.

I was so blessed to have shared with my mother these words so many years ago and I believe they still ring true today. I also know, with great asurety, that my mother was forever blessed to know how much she was loved by me and I am forever grateful that God gave me the opportunity to tell her how much she was loved before He called her home. Don't let this strange Mother's Day be the last one your Mother will remember ...unless you make it the best one possible under some trying circumstances. Doesn't your Mother deserve to know how much she means to you? MY ANSWER IS AN EMPHATIC ...YES!!!!

So to all you Moms out there...this is for you!

I.O.U…

For services rendered as a physician 

who helped mendbroken skin, bones, 

and occasionally a broken heart.

 

I.O.U…

For services rendered as cook, maid, 

and seamstress, who toiled

and slaved to make last year's styles

 wearable for one more season.

 

I.O.U…

For services rendered as night watchman 

and incessant worrier who lay listening in

 the wee hours of the night 

for a faint cough or cry; 

or the closing of the door to be sure 

I was home, safe and sound.

I.O.U…

For services rendered as a psychologist 

and guidance counselor

who helped me discover who I am 

and what I want to do with

the life you gave me.

I.O.U…

For services rendered as a teacher 

who taught me right from wrong 

and whose very presence in my daily activities

taught me the joy of living.

 

I.O.U…

For services rendered that must hereto 

remain unlistable,since the sheer magnitude

of all the things you are and have done 

for me are lost in the annals of time.

Though such love as yours is not recorded,

 the thoughts and memories of  the debt 

I owe is deeply etched upon

the pages of my heart.

    May my heart and the love it bestows

        be a living memorial to the

   most wonderful woman in the world.... 

My

Mother

W. Patrick Queen 

Copywright  ©  May 1977

Homecoming ...Finally at Rest!

Today is a very special day in the memory bank of my family...My wife's father would have had his 90th birthday today and his loving bride. Betty Lee, just celebrated her 92nd birthday this past Saturday; though I am sure it brought her little joy since the lockdown imposed at her Senior Living Center has not allowed family members to visit due to the corona virus epidemic that still has most of our world held hostage. So, though most of the world still chooses to remain behind closed doors, I want to take this time to travel back into my past memories and remember this wonderful man and the great joy he bestowed on all those that ever had a chance to shake his hand or listen to one of his funny stories....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JETER LEROY LEE JR...YOU ARE SORELY MISSED!!! AND WE ALL AWAIT THE TIME WHEN WE WILL BE REUNITIED AND GET TO HEAR ANOTHER OF THOSE WONDERFUL STORIES THAT STILL BRING A SMILE TO OUR FACE...MAY GOD BLESS THOSE THAT YOU LOVED AND KEEP THEM SAFE DURING THESE TROUBLED DAYS.

∞

This a reprint of a former post....

It was just three weeks ago today that my wife, her sister and her mother were at the funeral home making final arrangements for the memorial service for her father, Jeter Leroy Lee, Jr. It was a time that was truly bittersweet for Jeter's loved ones.

You see, he had been battling dementia and the onslaught of Alzheimer's disease for the better part of two years and the battle came to an end on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Jeter, a devoted husband for 67 years and a kind and loving father to his two girls for over 65 years had fought the good fight...but he was tired and his worn out body and mind could take no more. So, His loving, Heavenly Father did what needed to be done...He brought Jeter home to be forever with Him.

It is indeed a sad time when we experience the death of someone we have loved and who has loved us in return for a long time; however, if we know that they have a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it is a parting of "see you later" and not a "forever good-bye". And it was always evident to see in the life of Jeter Lee that he loved his Lord and lived to let others know that they too could experience such love. You saw that love displayed in the way Jedo (the nickname given to him by his grandkids) always treated and interacted with people; whether a stranger or life-long friend, Jeter Lee treated EVERYONE with the kindness and attention that you deserved if you had entered his sphere of influence...and that sphere was big enough to include anyone who would strike up a conversation with this gentle and loving man.

Over the 30 years of being part of my wife's family, I learned even more about loving your wife from watching this man love and nurture the woman that God had chosen for him...he was a great role model to anyone that took the time to get to know this wonderful, funny and engaging man. I know that there were many people over many years that had their day brightened or their load of cares lifted  just by receiving a kind word; hearing a funny story or joke or just hanging out with Jeter. I know because I was one of those people...and only the good Lord knows how many more he was able to touch in his life, a life well lived.

I have added to this writing  a poem which I wrote many years ago for someone who asked me to write a poem for them in the loss of their mother...My hope is that it will touch you and make you take the time to reach out to those you love while they are still nearby ...before it is time for  their  homecoming....or quite possible even yours.

Living my life ...touching others for Him,

WPQ

GOD ONLY TAKES THE VERY BEST

God only takes the very best

Whose labors are now done;

And brings them home to quiet rest

At the setting of life’s sun.

He saw how Jeter was growing tired

Each step, how it took its toll;

So He brought him to His heavenly place

To make him well again and whole.

A golden heart no longer beating….

Tireless hands have now found rest

And in this, we find our comfort….

GOD ONLY TAKES THE VERY BEST!

He only takes the ones He loves

And though Jeter had to part;

We know that he has left behind

Special memories in our hearts.

For Jeter Lee is not truly gone,

He has only slipped away;

On a far and different journey….

Alas, we'll meet him again someday.

And on that wondrous, glorious morn

Oh, how we will be blest….

Home at last in our Father’s arms …

For God only takes the VERY BEST!

W. Patrick Queen

Reprinted May 6,2020

In the midst of the challenges that are facing us all; as we deal with the uncertanties of what lies ahead; and as we recover from the chaos that has surrounded our nation since this deadly coronavirus set foot on our shores, we have all seen the commercials that tell us to stand together, even as feelings of isolation and despair have swept over a large protion of our citizenry. We can do that today...and we can do that for the long haul because of the sacrifices on the battlefield in this war against a silent enemy. For far too many have made the ultimate sacrifice as they fought to keep others alive and they have given their most precious possession, life itself. Christ told his followers that there was no greater sacrifice than for a man to lay down his life for a friend....and to each one that has given that sacrifice, we promise to remember and to celebrate the life you have given to save another.

To those who have answered the call to fight and to the family members who have bravely supported them from afar.... THIS TRIBUTE IS FOR YOU...MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS AND KEEP YOU; MAY HIS COUNTENANCE BE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE ...AND MAY ALL OF US WHO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY DUE TO YOUR FRONT LINE EFFORTS, MAY WE GIVE YOU OUR PRAISE AND HEART-FELT ADORATION FOR A FIGHT WELL DONE...

TRIBUTE TO THE FRONT LINE....

Silent; deadly; without making a sound

This ferocious enemy came slinking around.

No amount of preparation could thwart it's advance

As grown men stood helpless as if in a trance.

Then doctors and nurses in medical war gear

Began the fight as they brought the enemy near.

Testing those patients who struggled to fight; yet,

Losing some battles in the wee hours of the night.

But bolstered and armed and ready to go

Policemen and medics now stood toe to toe;

On the front lines to battle, each lending a hand

To care for those stricken across this great land.

The grocers, the checkers and baggers stood too

As they waited on shoppers like me and like you.

Even the mail carriers were doing their part

As they delivered their packages and did not lose heart.

People whose lives had been turned upside down

Had lost all their joy; each face wearing a frown.

But those who fought bravely on the front line

Each knew that victory could come any time....

So they kept on fighting, no matter the cost

Enduring the suffering and remembering those lost;

Taking no thought of the risk each would take

Giving  their all...a difference they'd make.

So to EVERYONE that has battled this foe;

Who have given their all, so onward we go.

We have little to offer...we can NEVER repay

The costs you've endured as you battled each day.

So let us say as our hearts overflow

And offer our THANKS as our praise we bestow;

Our suffering is lessened, soon we'll all be just fine.....

 FOR THE STANCE YOU TOOK.... ON THE FRONT LINE!!!

WPQ © April 30,2020