One Life

Now I lay me down to sleep;
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
God bless mommy and daddy, etc.
Amen.
(1781 The New England Primer)

Now I rise to meet the day;
Tell me, Lord, the words to say.
If she should turn and speak to me
what will I do; how will I be?
She’s really very cute.
Amen.
(1958 American Boy)

Now I rise; it’s four a.m.
Jog five miles; a one mile swim.
I hug my wife and pet the cat,
catch the bus; I forgot my hat!
This commute is getting old!
Amen.
(1975 Harried Husband)

Now I rise; my back is sore.
My left knee hurts; I won’t say more.
Lord, help me walk and not to fall.
I think I’m out of Tylenol.
Are these the Golden Years?
Amen.
(2005 Newly Retired)

Now I wake; I used to rise
but now I need another’s eyes
to read the fine print carefully,
the words are just a blur to me.
I thought trifocals would help.
Amen.
(2020 Senior Citizen)

Now the clock says 3 a.m.
What is that old, familiar hymn?
It rattles through my aging brain.
What’s left to do? What more to gain?
I heard the angels sing.
Amen.
(2025 Happy Acres, Room 226)

Now the hour has come at last.
I’ve lived it all, sometimes too fast.
But through it all, I’ve tried to be
a man in whom the world might see
your light and guiding hand.
Amen.
(2032 At The Funeral)

Now I lay me down to sleep.
I trust that God will surely keep
my soul and heart close to his own,
for I have lived in Him alone.
I see a light ahead.
Amen.
(2040 Approaching Home)

Rise, my child; you’ve earned your rest.
You’ve lived for me; you’ve done your best.
You fought the fight; you lived The Way.
This is your eternal day.
Beloved child…you’re home.
(Eternity)
Amen.