To Glory Mooring

To Glory Mooring I travel this sorry road,
There a certain Gospel Ship is destined, I am told,
For a great metropolis with streets of gold.

Early set I out to catch the morrow's evening ride.
It was no later than noon when I was joined by
     A stranger at my side.
"Fellow, why follow this difficult, wretched highway?
Know ye not that down yonder town, one may abide
Assured of his income and living with monetary pride."

"My good man," quipped I, "diverted I must not be.
For should I dawdle to gain earthly spoils,
Sorrow I shall straightway see.
Lest without me my ship should surely flee.

Onward I trekked ignoring hunger, exhaustion, and pain,
Stooping down occasionally to drink from a stream of rain.
Nearer I drew to a somewhat cozy cottage-inn,
Where rest is given to the weary soul of such migrating men.
Since established by the Comforter,
To this haven I gratefully came after.

Next morning I again pursued my mission
Til accompanied by a man of carelessness and sinful submission.
"Why not take the shortcut to pleasure, young man?
Mind not your future nor your present condition.
Would it not be easier just to have fun disregarding the end."

"Have I come this far just to give up when my journey shall end with evening light?
Family and friends?  My heir and my hire?  Possessions and position?
Naught are these to such a fairer and grander sight.
I will run this race, and I will fight this good fight,
To obtain a garment of snowy white."

Now, over yonder escarpment shall I shortly arrive
To board the ship that will set us free captained by the Prince of Life.
Do journey here with effervescent haste,
To the only glory-bound docking place.

By Caleb Calcine,  Sept., l997
   

To Know My Lord

My heart longs to know You, Lord.
   You, Lord, created the universe and all it contains.
   You, Lord, led the Israelites through wilderness wanderings.
   You, Lord, love the widow, fatherless, and stranger.
   You, Lord, sent Your Son to earth.
   You, Lord, rose on Easter morning, Alleluia.
   You, Lord, fill us with Living Waters.
   You, Lord, are wonderful to behold.

Bring me back to my first Love, my Lord.
   You, Lord, fashioned and nourished me.
   You, Lord, guided me through desert times.
   You, Lord, gave me love for the elderly, orphans, and foreigners.
   You, Lord, are my Good Shepherd whom I follow.
   You, Lord, are my Resurrection Joy, Alleluia.
   You, Lord, brought me to rushing mountain springs.
   You, Lord, have shown me Your Majestic Love.

All praise and honor to the Lord, God Almighty.
   You are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

by Julie St. John  1987