Shabbat’s April Fools

I sez, I sez – OK, O Lord,
I’ll go to church where You’re adored;
But Lord, You sure I got this right?
For there I’m not a welcome sight.

“You got it right – do as I say,
I’ll be with you on this My day.”
With cheque made out to give some cash,
Okay, O Lord, I’ll do as asked.

But as I drove six blocks to church,
Welled up in me that ancient hurt;
Lord, I just can’t go there today;
“Okay”, sez He, “hang right to pray”.

So I went in, like olden days;
"Here’s program, Stu, welcome today!"
Ach, lady, you’ve no way to know,
What soothing balm your words make flow –

For all my life the word has been,
“You use resources – times are lean;
You’re welcome, but just know the food,
Was there for others – understood?

“For friendship’s cup is just so large;
When it’s used up it’s very hard...
So just this time, then do things right,
Absent yourself – just take a hike.”

I waited quiet in my pew,
Then low – behold – along comes you;
With you, your wife and daughter – cool –
Says God, “Ach, Stu – My April Fool!”

Sometimes I just can’t take the pain
Of, “Take a hike – move on” again;
For fifteen years ago this week,
They laid those words down at my feet.

Not said to me – but dropped and ran;
Left me with “Dear John” in my hand;
On Maundy-Thursday they conspired –
Good Friday, that’s when I got fired.

They said, “Take Easter service still,
But after that your service will
No more be needed – problem’s you.”
You said, O Lord, “Be silent, Stu.”

Two years ago you showed me why
Through Rabbi Praeger’s gentle sigh –
“They need, like you, to learn restraint,
Hence, double-play – not for the faint.

And so, today as I move on
To do the task, which you have won
Already in this awe-full place,
You liberate – through our disgrace.

Not sure just what you have in mind,
Oh Lord, as I these pathways wind,
Since at that first Palm Sunday time
I “joined the church” – confirmed as mine –

The actions taken by my folks,
To baptize me – since then, no joke,
Your hand’s been there – “Turn left, turn right”
Just like today – all’s in your sight.

He had no way of knowing, Lord,
But seems responsive to Your word;
Week after week you send me out;
Today, to me you came – no doubt.

So thank you Lord, for being there,
For sending him to mend the tear;
When I could just no longer go,
You sent him there that I should know –

That Paul was right, and David too –
As we live out our lives in You,
There’s nowhere we can go – You’re there;
And naught can interrupt Your care.

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