The Visit
When you come here
May you know love,
And all your cares
Be put to rest.
When you arrive
May troubles cease
To crease
Your brow,
And silence
Find a place to stay.
When you visit here
May list’ning ears
Hear stories that
You need to tell.
May all disturbing things
Now be made well.
When you hang your hat
And stop to chat,
Please leave refreshed —
Prepared for battles
That are sure to come.
When you stop here
And stay awhile,
May your face then show
A quiet smile —
Knowing that you’ve been with friends
Who care and love until the end.
Warmth in the Cold
Warmth in the cold — how often do we take it for granted?
A fire, a heater in our home, a warm jacket, a cap that covers our head and ears, a warm scarf, socks and shoes or boots, blankets, quilts, or comforters. And how about the warmth of a smile, a hug, a gentle voice, a forgiving or encouraging friend?
I once stayed a weekend at a cabin in Grass Valley, California. All the heating, cooking, and hot water was produced by burning wood. On mornings there would be a designated person who got up first and got the fire going for heating the cabin. People took turns because it wasn’t so pleasant getting up in the cold. Then, if you wanted to get clean in the shower, water had to be heated by burning wood. Cooking was a lot more work, too. In the United States and other places, we take our electric or gas heaters and ovens for granted.
So today, let’s be grateful for warmth. And Lord, help us to offer your warmth to someone today.
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