The Cloud of Witnesses

The Cloud of Witnesses

Our lives are stories 

Played out on a grand stage.

We share the stage with some,

As others simply watch from the crowd

Intrigued by the rhythms of our days.

I’ve learned something the older I get: 

You don’t always know who’s watching.

 

For many years my parents lumbered forward, 

Faithfully tending their slight slice of the planet,

Sowing, cultivating, pruning, fertilizing.

They didn’t always see the fruit of their labor,

But their planting and watering

Has led to a bumper kingdom crop

A reaping of eternal reward,

A great harvest of hearts,

As plentiful as they are grateful.

 

It was never about filthy lucre,

No, their heart’s desire has always been

To lay up treasures in heaven,

Where moth and rust don’t corrupt

And thieves don’t break in a steal.

For where their treasure was…

That’s where their hearts were also.

 

So I’ve been enjoying watching

Former students from their ministry

Do what they can—all they can

To bless my biological parents,

Their spiritual parents,

By caring for them in their later years.

This “GoFundMe” page is yet another attempt

For a heart who’s been touched 

By their extravagant love to respond

Like the tenth leper, returning thanks

For the indiscriminate openhandedness 

And bigheartedness of my parent’s lives.

 

For those who want to bless them

In this unique season of need,

I thank you in advance for your gift

Given in unison with others,

The Great Cloud of Witnesses

Touched by my parent’s perfuse affection.

 

God bless you.