Thank You to My Examples

The Fairest is a Lady

The fairest of women is a lady, my friend
who warms every heart, charity not to pretend.
One honorably respected by her peers,
integrity’s beauty confirmed through the years.

She is concerned with others’ every need,
tenderly scattering love’s precious seed.
Careful not to take dignity away from a saint,
but setting encouraging words upon each plate.

If I can but possess one-tenth of her stature,

I will forever be grateful in that much to capture.
The fairest one, a lady having given her all,
supremely answering the ministry’s call.

We have just honored Memorial Day military and veterans but now is the time to honor those women who influence our lives so I would like to give honor to whom honor is due.

Many an influence has passed on and I cherish times spent with each of them, and their words of wisdom and godly example. However, many are living - true examples for whom I am eternally grateful. Their ages vary, their locations scattered, and their personalities individual and unique but each has and continues to touch my life with their words genuine concern - while always faithfully giving, without expecting anything in return. Each one is considered the fairest of ladies.

A Bee's Labor

The bee is more honored than other animals,
not because she labors,
but because she labors for others.

- St. John Chrysostom

Be Grateful

Nothing is more honorable than
a crate full (oophs) GRATEFUL heart

Vessels of Honor

How many wonderful people have crossed my path over the years. So many I've known personally or watched from a distance. Others I have only read about. No, these aren't individuals who are rich or famous but ones who have paid supreme sacrifices to live for the Lord. Their lives have been filled with disappointments, setbacks, loss of loved ones. Some have been devastated by injury or illness, falsely accused, misunderstood, and the list goes on and on. The ones of which I speak have kept the Faith - supplying goodness and support to others. Ones that are always there, always moving forward, always living for the Lord one day at a time.

Today is the day I want to give my thanks to these wonderful Vessels of Honor who have helped me understand the meaning of being honorable, and of overcoming the obstacles that come along the pathway of life. Thank you special vessels. Thank you.

Gallantly in rows near the edge of the wall

earthen remnants gather to await duty's call,
Appearances reveal many past glories,

of mastering setbacks in volumes of stories.

Some water pots pose in magnificent manifestation,
others weather beaten, casualties of unmerciful evasion.
Though stress marks exposed, don't a victory subtract,

these vessels, while struggling within, keep the water intact.

The pots desire to be filled to the brim, for a thirst to quench,
with liquid so precious it must be measured carefully, inch by inch.
Lord, protect their contents from a devastating spill,
and replenish each vessel which is worthy of refill.