They reminisce about the past;
the present has no significance.
They struggle for significance
because they long to make a difference.
They grieve over loss of access
to the church, also to each other.
With creative juices now seized,
wisdom and visions become a bother.
They, the trailblazing race-runners
crashed into a wall named "ministry,"
redefined by selfish greed's pride,
nepotism's yoke, or apostasy.
They seek to understand leaders
but the open minds and hearts still weep.
They regenerate in service
like the body regenerates in sleep.
They hated teasing ridicule,
impatience when their steps became slow,
struggling with physical changes,
feelings they've never encountered before.
They matured with pride and purpose
sharing respect's daring dignity,
hoping we'd see, much more than they,
absence of misdeeds of our history.
So some choke on the status quo,
accepting their new segregation.
Others retreat and die away,
despising token appreciation.
The young fray in impertinence;
the pride of the village has been hushed.
Each loss pales the future's harvest.
Pray they're restored to a united us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Thessalonians 5:12-13 NCV
Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you
to appreciate those who work hard among you,
who lead you in the Lord and teach you.
Respect them with a very special love
because of the work they do.
Live in peace with each other.