Michael Sliney

Our soul was made for something truly divine,
Deference, gratitude and nobility…
In God’s eyes, nothing trumps humility!
These logs on the fire make Jesus’ light shine!

God graciously glances as this ember glows,
Purposefully pouring peace into that soul,
There are no short cuts or secretive loop holes,
God cuts through the veil of opinion polls…
Reflecting Jesus’ love should be our main goal!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shopping galore…
The Christmas presents are piling up on the floor.
Luminous lights, wreathes, trees… bring delightful décor,
Parties abound, music resounds, mistletoes soar…
This is all good stuff, but what does it underscore?

Advent should be a spiritual preparation,
Not a frenetic, frazzled, “check list” fixation.
Please carve out some time for quiet contemplation,
To reflect on the gift of the Incarnation!
Jesus gave up his heaven, for our salvation!

Wearily wrestling with wicked webs,
Anxiously angling against anger,
Hardening, heartless hearts…haughty heads,
Lackadaisical, lazy languor…

This world is in pain, shouting for help,
Frustrated, tired, worn down and sad,
They need grace, they need Christ…not more “yelps”,
Jesus can resolve their “Soledad.”

Are you open, are you listening?
Allow Christ’s love to start glistening!

Hidden…patiently waiting,
Heart-ache…but still pulsating,
Humble…not dominating,
Hopeful…never abating,
Hearing…and concentrating,
Healing…and motivating,
Are you communicating?

First impressions, judgement calls…
Super fit or out of shape,
Mentally quick or too fake?…
Stop, reflect…for goodness sake!
Broaden your mental landscape!
Knock down those prejudgment walls!
Employ Faith, not just eyeballs!

How does Jesus see that soul?
His glance cuts through the outside,
Seeing pain that people hide.
Scars that were marked classified,
Won’t make you disqualified.
He looks to heal and console,
Is this your focus and your goal?

Barren trees, grey skies…dark, cold days,
Cabin fever, marked malaise…
Rats racing in an endless maze…
Acts of kindness with little praise…
Colds and flus, dreary moods…so what!
Dig deep, find love…deep in your gut,
Fight back hard…break out of the rut,
Lean on Christ! No “ands, if or buts”!
You gotta love Jesus…that’s what!

Wounded doctors still have patient care,
Wounded parents still meet children’s needs,
Painful heart-aches…they do not share,
They smile…although they’re in the weeds.

God’s mercy touches deeper chords,
When traveling through weary souls.
God’s glory…no human rewards,
True peace…with Christ at the controls!

Never shut down on rainy days!
Please let God love through you…OK?

Is Christ at the center? Or off to the side?
Do you seek him? Or happen to coincide?
Is he your quarterback? Or “riding the pine”?
Is he number one? Where does Jesus allign?

With Christ at the helm, your ship will not capsize,
Satan will lose, if he is your close ally,
Please make time for Jesus, press close to his heart!
He patiently waits, it’s not too late to start!

Grouchy,gloomy and grey…bitter, blowing breeze,
The sun is hiding…the leaves fell off the trees,
It’s flu season, cold season…whining and wheeze!

Selfish or selfless? This is the battle line!
Are you going to let your little light shine?
Carry your own weather! Follow God’s design!

Man looks at appearances,
Christ zeroes in on the heart.
We highlight our grievances…
God treasures his work of art!

Can a mother hate her child?
Does she only see the stains?
What is mentally filed?
Virtues and qualities reign!

How does Jesus look at you?
Mother’s hearts give us a clue!