Love? (John 13:34-35; I Cor. 13)

I asked the group (committee) this –
“Where do we go?” “What gives us bliss
To know there is a point to all
Our efforts yearly – Spring to fall?

“For poem quip was sent to me
About our project – now I see
It’s also ’bout committee’s task,
That’s why I thought I’d stop to ask.

“The quip? by author of ‘The Prince’,
Not Machiavelli’s – eesch! I’d wince
If that was author quoted here –
‘The Little Prince’– kids book so dear.

It said, to build a ship, my friend,
Don’t chase the boards, on errands send
Your mates to gather up a crew –
Inspire the folks with what you’ll do –

“Once ship is built and sail’s unfurled,
With stores laid in to see the world,
Where will you go? What will you do
Out there upon that ocean blue?”

First answer I received was, “Love” –
Not namby-pamby – like above;
Care for each other’s welfare, mate;
When there is need, don’t hesitate –

To jump right in and lend a hand;
Don’t fibrillate, but under-stand;
When need is there before your eyes
Respond with love – don’t compromise.

Well, yes, I guess that speaks to it;
And Paul’s approach should cover it –
“No tinkling cymbal, clashing gong,
But love lived out on turf we are on.”

So does that cover housing crunch?
Or Helping-Hands that gives out lunch
To those who live in Brandon now?
Or pass on other side somehow?

I somehow doubt that’s what was meant –
Church moved to here – we were not sent
(Or called) to do that ministry –
Here in the burbs, we do not see –

Such need – for here its property,
And values held, not abject need;
Folks voted here, “No thanks to bus
To keep house values high for us”.

So – love – perhaps it’s one-on-one
That’s meant – ’cept there is something wrong
With that approach for closed are gates
To those outside, who came too late.

So love? Does that mean start to love?
Like Christ’s commission from above
For us to do – warm up the flame
Of love within – in Jesus name?

Perhaps create a list – each one
So lists each hold reflect the fun
We’d have if we did things for folks
We wish we’d had – increase the jokes –

So joyous, happy, song pours out
From each of us – there’d be no doubt
We love each other, neighbor, (you?) –
With oil, and wine, and donkey too.

So hey! Let’s stop and cogitate
Upon that thought – “participate
In growing love; stir up the flame”
That life next year not be the same.

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