An inspiring poem by Wilhelmina Stitch reminding us that we are God's children and that Friday many years ago happened because of God's love for each and every one of us. The poem summarizes God's call to his children and gives us
direction according to His word about how we are to live.
How many times as children have we heard the phrase, "now promise to be good." We are God's children and His word teaches us that we should be kind and compassionate to all. And that when we give
our word we should hold true to it. The first stanza of this poem reflects those thoughts.
We all know the commandment, to love one another. But do we follow it? Not just on Friday but each day of the week "love one another" should be foremost in our mind. Even when someone
does something you don't like, or makes comments that hurt us, we are told to love not to retaliate but to show compassion and love. When your outlook is one of love your reactions will change.
The third stanza is perhaps one of the most difficult for people in our culture to wrap their minds around. Our culture talks about me, me, me. But God's ways are ones where
you serve others, thinking of yourself last not first. Our human nature can be very self-centered, but if we adopt a serving attitude rather than a self-serving attitude we
are living closer to the life of Jesus. Jesus came and served others. He died on the cross for us.
The third stanza also makes clear that jealousy and hate have no place in the
life of a Christian. When we demonstrate jealousy and hate we are not following the One who died - Jesus. Looking at His life you do not see reflections of these, even after all
the cruelness and ridicule He went through He still demonstrated love.
The Poet points out that living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving may allow us to hear God speak!
Like children we will strive to be, earnest in work and kind in play,
for we have heard the Father's plea on this His day.
How often in our youth we heard, "Now promise that you will be good,"
And always tried to keep our word as children should.
God's Friday! We can hear Him plead:
"Children, be good and love each other.
Open your hearts that you may heed your Elder Brother."
He walks among you down the years, and from His lips one message falls,
"For man's contempt I have no ears - My Father calls."
God's Friday! How to celebrate?
By thrusting avid Self aside,
by slaying jealousy and hate -
for One who died.
With gratitude now go your way.
Per-chance we'll hear our Father speak on this His day.
