Nestled in the Woods

Tonight is Halloween…
the day before
All Hallows Day,
when we give honor
to saints,
both here and gone.
We’re wary of
the ghosts and ghouls,
and dress up in disguise
to frighten them away.
We bribe the false-faced gnomes
with sweets
in hopes that with the treats
they will not open up
their bags of tricks
and vandalize our homes.
What if we change the scene
and share,
along with junk,
a heart of love…
a time of joy…
a hope for peace?
And with these gifts
debunk
the notion
that life is what we get.
The better and the wise
is that life is far above
some silly toy
or candied sweets,
and with the change
we’ll hallow our own soul.

I Corinthians 10: 13…No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The end of the string,
and the concert’s not done;
but more string is essential
to complete the potential…
the symphony once begun.
Should I choose the same
or make a different choice?
The sameness is melodic;
a difference is harmonic.
Which sings to me the best voice?
The point…to connect,
and the choice is my own.
The Amen is not in sight,
nor should I take wings in flight
until He calls from His throne.
Meanwhile, we play the tune
with those of like kind,
and even when alone
it’s never monotone,
but textured with ties that bind.
God’s love keeps us not
from strings that can break,
but He’s the orchestrator
and none can e’er be greater.
He gives no more than we can take.

An end lies in the future;
 it could be imminent…perhaps remote,
  but seldom is in view.
To reach the end will somehow tell the tale.
Some basic tools to measure,
 in order to prevent a sideline note
  of pleasures to pursue
or dark distraction that will hide the trail.

A tool drawn from the pocket…
 a soul of charity…a giving love…
  that’s selfless, true, and good…
   to realize that others walk along.
Another is enjoyment
 of life…to do and see and look above
  the circumstance that would
   make many travelers weep and only see the wrong.

Dig deeply; find contentment…
 a peace to over-tread anxieties
  that pummel from all sides,
   and know that inner peace transcends each blow.
Whether climbing or descent,
 find hope that’s just ahead
 and then foresees
  the goal where all abides,
   although the trail is difficult and slow.

But recognize the true fact:
 That hearts are empty shells to hold each tool.
  It is not self-empowered;
   the source is from beyond this mortal clay.
Easy to get off the track,
 where each wayward step tells “here is a fool!”
  Or if the path is flowered
   with seeds that have been planted on the way.

Missteps may happen often
 throughout the journey long; the path is drawn
  and ready for the tread
   of feet that keep in step to reach the aim.
The tools availed will soften
 opposing threats that throng from dark to dawn.
  The purpose lies ahead,
   and just beyond success is there to claim.