LOST MEANING

Holiday season 

Holiday lights

Holiday cards

Holiday hedge

Hanukkah candles

Hindu bush

Allah plant

Buddha wreath

Celebrate diversity

Missing unity

Spiritual theft

Christmas lost

Season sorrow

Missing Jesus

Christ forgotten

Need forgiveness

                            SOLDIER

I saw a burial with a  bugler playing taps;
       I turned to my father, “what happened?” I asked.
He clutched my hand and with a quiver in his voice,
     he began to explain and his eyes became moist.

“My son,” he said, “this is rather difficult for me;
      for an old veteran like myself this is tough to see.
In that coffin lies a genuine patriotic warrior,
     an honest-to-God hero, an American soldier.

I appreciate that soldier and the service he gave,
      and I honor his sacrifice as he’s laid in his grave.
He was honorable, selfless, courageous, and bold;
      please remember him son, as you grow old.

The value of his service, I must explain,
      if not remembered, will be lost in vain.
As a nation we’re nothing without soldiers like him;
     and failing to remember would be a terrible sin.”

I listened in awe as my father spoke,
      it seemed as if his heart were broke.
I suddenly remembered when he went to war,
      and when he returned I thought nothing more.

I never asked why he walked with a limp,
      and I didn’t care about why he was sick.
I was to busy enjoying the life that I had,
      to realize that I had it because of dad.

I finally understood what my dad was about,
      and it hurt so bad I cried out loud.
He sacrificed so much so I could be free,
      and his battle scares were suffered for me.

 It was my father’s spirit that spoke to me that day;
      thank God I finally understood what he had to say.
I saluted his coffin as they laid him to rest,
      and I thought about the medals pinned on his chest.

That I didn’t honor him sooner, I will always regret;
      and I pledged that day to never again forget.
I’m proud that my dad was a patriotic warrior;
   I’m honored to be the son of an American soldier.

                            TEACHER

I journey in to your mind unknown,
         in to your heart of secrets untold.
Where the stitches of your future are sewn,
         in to your dreams, where your destiny will unfold.

I look deeper and more I can see,
         the full extent of your disillusion.
But by your side is where I’ll be,
         helping to end your confusion.

For I am your teacher,
         a giver of all that I can.
An educator and a nurturer,
         committed to helping you, again and again.

You can completely trust me,
         this truth I solemnly say.
For I don’t do this for the money,
         a heartfelt love of teaching is why I stay.

Teaching is a gift,
         for both the recipient and the giver.
Learning is your precious gift,
         and mine is being your teacher.

Understand, self-worth isn’t about money,
         it’s about how you live and give.
I sincerely hope there will come a day,
         when you’ll appreciate the teaching that I did.

 And on that very last day,
         when I’m called to my final rest;
I’ll be comforted in hearing our Lord say,
         “well done teacher, you gave your very best.”