IS GOD’S “POWER” EQUAL TO THE LOVE IN A MOTHER’S EYES

Lately my eyesight’s become a bit blurry –
And my hearing’s also gotten dim
    since I can barely hear the person sitting right next to me –
Nevertheless, I still walk around the block – even if I get tired on the return.

So, now, Jesus’ message is finally getting through
About God’s coming down to earth
With power.

Because it’s obvious, isn’t it, that there’s nothing left for me –
It’s all God’s responsibility now.

It’s difficult, however, to accept that God actually has any real power,
Especially given all the missed opportunities –
The tens of billions of human deaths – natural and man-made –
So, God, where were you, then, with all your supposed “power?”

It’s ridiculous, isn’t it, in the modern world, to believe in that kind of God –
But where else could any real hope come from?
Where sweet goodness?
Or the love God has sprinkled so generously throughout our hearts?

Maybe God’s “power” was not, and never was, about what we wanted or thought we needed –
Maybe, instead, it was more like “beauty” – about which I’m taking ever greater notice now –
Or “truth” which, with age, I express more freely –
Or “justice” which slowly, methodically, is inching its way towards humanity.

Maybe, God’s “power” is simply the “love” reflected in a mother’s eyes
Which never fades.

Maybe God’s “power” is like that!

A TIME OF BOOKS AND PENS

Life in the modern world is like a fire truck roaring out of the station,
Sirens blaring, leaping down the street to greet a new emergency.

I want to live in a time with fewer emergencies –
A time of books and pens.

In such a time we’ll prefer politicians whose main ambition is to fix roads
And who don’t view politics as a gladiatorial contest.

We’ll cherish prosaic problem solvers
And ignore charlatans and mountebanks.

We’ll establish schools that excel at increasing children’s competence
And instill a love of civic duty
So they’ll grow up to be like first responders – able to meet life and death situations.

We’ll value workers who thrive on keeping the city’s water running clear and clean
And, out on the farms, people who produce healthful food.

We’ll encourage lifetime love between our young adults
So that our grandchildren can thrive.