Sliney Central

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!!

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!

If they only knew, what Jesus can do…
Confession sharpens your field of view,
Wiping clean our sins, healing scar tissue.
Sacred Scripture’s wisdom carries you through,
Giving solutions to life’s bugaboos.
The Eucharistic gift, you must accrue!
Jesus transforms your soul, causing breakthroughs!
He gave us his mother! Jesus, thank you!
Why such indifference, why the empty pews???
Let Christ in…trust…try…make Him your go to!!

If only this and only that,
If I had a dog…not a cat,
Too cold, too hot…new thermostat?
A bad hair day…it just falls flat!
Respect?…treated like a doormat!

Ok, some days are tougher…it’s true!
And there’s not much you can do.
But Faith can change your world view:
The cross is not a bugaboo,
But sanctity’s best avenue!
Christ himself walked this path…will you?

Late for carpool, over cooking the rice?
Slipping into an occasional vice?
Pushed way too hard, tired of sacrifice?
As a friend of Christ, I have some advice:

Perfection is not the focus of God,
He knows that you are inherently flawed!
He rules with mercy…not an iron rod,
It’s your love and effort that he applauds!
Lean into Him…leave aside the façade!!

Explosive leaves go out with a bang,
For a few weeks, they’ll try hard to hang,
Making a statement, without a clang.

Our inner beauty should grow each day,
Remember you are Christ’s protégé!
Getting old? Let your colors shine!
Your holiness should improve with time!