It’s the nature of this mortal life, Lord:
good times come to an end…
Vacations, days off, time away,
holidays (even holy days!)
all have a denouement, a term, an end,
a last few days, hours or moments we cling to,
wishing they might last forever…
That’s where I am tonight, Lord,
just about 36 hours away from the leave taking,
the ride to the airport in Denver,
the teary hugs and goodbyes
and then facing east once again,
heading to the place I call home
and the friends who’ll welcome me back…
I should be grateful – indeed, I am very grateful –
for these past four weeks of being home with family,
in a place whose beauty charms me,
and the extra joy of 5 days of shipboard joy,
find food and drink and music all around
graced by pacific beauty healing my soul
already blessed by Rocky Mountain glory…
All this soon comes to a close, Lord,
but all of it’s a sign, a sip, a taste, a glimpse
of joy and beauty promised by your love
and yet to come and never end
in the place where I will be at home,
forever, without end…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
