Michael Sliney

“Ho-hum” days…are you just “surviving”?
Working, cooking, cleaning and driving?
Winter doldrums…feelings are diving?
Let’s shake it up, get some reviving!
More prayer, more love…spiritual striving!
All for Christ! It’s time to start thriving!!! 

A mother simply knows!
Let’s put it into prose:
The ups, downs, highs and lows,
An eye for the right clothes,
When unrest stirs and blows,
She see within shadows,
The workings of “Logos”,
All of life’s dominoes,
How they anastomose…

But why “this” mom? GOD chose!
He works through her…HE knows!

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!