ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The days seem to fly by when you get to be my age. Many run right into each other. How do you make the most of every last moment of your life? We can choose to stay busy. We can fill time with activities that help others through volunteer work. We might be fit enough to take a long walk in nature. We could spend more time in Bible study. We could slow down, like everyone says we should. We could wait to die. All of these options have run through my mind during the past several months. I have been blessed beyond measure because of a merciful God who looks beyond my faults and sees His only Son, Jesus. The perfect, sinless, Jesus, who took on the sins of the world.

Make each day a new one. Expect it to be imperfect. Smooth sailing doesn’t survive on dry land. Look back at the week which has now melted into the past. Every day is like a fresh start for each of us. Turn the trials you faced into blessings by seeing only the good that came from them. Friday is just another day, but it can be the beginning rather than the end.

As the morning light arises, on a valley green sublime,

Sun light kisses trees and branches, balancing the sands of time,

Though through danger I will wander, snares are set at every turn,

God is there to guard my footsteps, leading me to where I yearn,

Peaceful, green and tranquil landscapes, skies are filled with golden light,

Yet the heat from summer sunshine, hasn’t risen to full height,

Listening as He sits with me, as my heart to Him I spill,

Understanding all I ask for, promises to do His will,

When at last my days are finished, I will walk on streets of gold,

No more tears, no pain or sorrow, only peace and love untold,

The darkness of an evil world, purged with grace from God alone,

I’ll walk in valleys green with life, for heaven will be my home.