Michael Sliney

Buried deep within the crevices of the soul,
Lies the motivational motor of action.
The “why” behind the “what”?…revealing one’s true goal.
This will bring unrest, or peace and satisfaction.

For God’s glory…or your enhanced reputation?
Hidden, selfless love…or “calculated” kindness?
“Skin in the game”…or simply making donations?
Following the light of Christ…or the world’s blindness?

Praise, pats on the back, esteem, and adulation?
The world can’t “fill your tank”…this ends in frustration!
All for Christ, look ONLY for his affirmation!

Barren branches…bearing buds,
Swift streams…swirling silky suds,
Chickadees…calmly chirping.
The world continues working…

Spring silently, subtly shows,
God’s glorious garden glow,
Creations calls: “Contemplation!”
Make time for admiration!!

Spiritual silence…shatters satan’s snares,
Peaceful pondering…controls ceaseless cares,
Constant confession…rebuilds, repairs.

Daily devotions…terminate tears,
Christ-centered confidence…filters fears.
Start seeking, striving, …the coast is clear!!

Jesus, so few know you, and most don’t understand,
Your desire to lend a loving, helpful hand.
In spite of being so small, just a grain a sand,
You worry for each one, from your heavenly stands,
Praying, nudging us…to our eternal homeland.

Please, let Jesus in your life, let him be involved,
Peace will flood your soul, many problems will be solved.
Jesus, help them to know you, help them understand!!
Please don’t let them walk alone, offer them your hand!!

You marked me as your priest at the Baptismal font,
You are my most trusted friend and confidant!
Whatever it takes, Lord, whatever you want,
I’ll never be indifferent or nonchalant!!

Christ, it hurts to see how little you are known!
You are the peace they need…why go it alone?
They need to “check in” more with you…not their phone,
In their misery…your mercy is most shown!
Lord, help them feel your love, and enter your zone!

Glowing goodness…gentle grit,
Wise, wise words…wonderful wit!
Culinary competence,
Prayerful patience…providence!

Mom, your virtues are immense,
“True blue”…never a pretense!
“Fully in”…not on the fence,
Your deep joy makes perfect sense-
Your love for Christ is so, so intense!
Ninety years! Let the party commence!

Are you simply “too busy” to stop?
To notice when someone needs a smile?
Accompany friends in their trials?
Converse face to face instead of dial?
Sacrifice; going the extra mile?
To compliment the other’s style?
To just “hang out” for a little while?
Building bridges to a remote isle?

Make space to observe hidden tear drops!
Please slow down your active, spinning top,
Listen…when Jesus wants you to stop!

Drawbridges connecting,
Jesus intersecting.
One side unsuspecting,
The other electing.
God’s Spirit directing,
Too many objecting,
Thick traffic’s collecting!
Say yes! Start affecting!

God bless,
Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Running ragged…restlessness,
Busy bodies…breathlessness!
Stifling silent solitude?
Smothering solicitude?
Sullen, sad, sulky, subdued?

Jesus, just Jesus= Just joy!
Reset, renew, redeploy!