Michael Sliney

To surf monster waves, one must leave the shore;
Comforts, complacencies, cares…and much more!
Wicked wipeouts, jellyfish, man of war…
Fighting the tide, fending off sharks…valour!
But to be in the “tunnel”…evermore!!
What do you want? What are you looking for?
Start surfing in Christ’s diplomatic corps!

Soul stalled?  Need a jump start?
Over-hauled? No spare parts?
Appalled? Falling apart?
Grace installed? Then take heart!
You’re called!! Jesus’ counterpart!!
God’s superb work of art!!

Behold beauty!  Let’s begin:
Vibrant virtue…not much sin,
Simply selfless…deep within,
Patient prayer…secret linchpin!
Tough times? Take it on the chin!
Carrying crosses? Strive to win!
Follow Christ…your next of kin!

Forgotten, forsaken…frozen,
Cherished, cuddled, caressed…chosen.
Jarringly jettisoned…jungle!
Heavenly hiatus…humble!

Why did Jesus leave paradise?
Love…love for YOU, to be precise!

Always climbing ladders, grinding it out?
Putting yourself out there, garnering clout?
Posting perfect photos…for a shout-out?
Yoga, spinning, marathons…working out?
Kale, cold pressed juices, lots of brussels sprouts?
All solid stuff…but does it leave a doubt?
Is this what “happiness” is all about?
Are Scripture and the chapel your “hang-out”?
Jesus is the key, PLEASE don’t leave him out!

Pondering… provides prudent predictions,
Conscientiousness…clips contradictions.
Deft discernment…drives dandy decisions.
Persistent prayer…powers peak performance,
Christ centeredness…creates careful conformance,
Lean into God!…The effects? ENORMOUS!!!

What’s in it for me? Is that all you see?
Future payback? A bottle of chablis?
Serving the poor, or only the marquis?
Selflessness permeates our family tree!
Stretch your heart, expand your diastole!
Unconditional love! Don’t you agree??
Peace and joy? Absolutely guaranteed!

Human conflict, tension or pain?
Hurting the heart, busting the brain?
Causing resentment and disdain?

God’s providence…or preordained?
Resisting, fighting?…What is gained?
Be kind, love “freely”…don’t be chained!
This is how the great Saints were trained!

Satan saunters the hallways of your mind,
Permeating the caverns of your heart.
Probing, tempting, testing…what does he find?
There is only one…who he can’t outsmart.

Awake the sleeping giant, please don’t wait!
The Holy Spirit will set Satan straight!
Lean hard into him, make him your soul mate,
He knows the devil’s tricks and lies, “au fait”,
He unties knots, breaks webs and extricates,
He’ll lead you to Christ, and the pearly gates!

Why should Christ be your “best” friend?
He accepts you, comprehends…
If you reach up, he descends,
Unties knots, fixes loose ends,
So caring…hard to offend,
It’s easy to make amends.
Hurting inside? He attends…
From Satan’s snares…he’ll defend,
Gift of peace…huge dividend!
In Jesus you can depend,
Fidelity…to the end!!