Is my use of devices divisive? All my time do my apps always zap? Is my tablet distracting from talk at the table? Am I able to tech with some tact?
Are my selfies obnoxious; intrusive? From my use of that screen, must I wean? Has my staring impaired all my care and attention That friends are left feeling unseen?
I’ll trade FaceTime for time face to face From my scrolling, I’ll go on retreat I will meet when I can and embrace, and say, “Love you!” Emojis could never compete
Help me tech with intention and tact!
Take a crack at that “digital etiquette“
Just a sec- let me check- my new phone just got hacked
The Rabbi beckoned, “Let the little children come to me!” (1) Each mother gently nudged her tyke toward Him from her side The young ones – crawling, toddling, skipping – flocked to Him, carefree His arms, as three years hence, spread open wide
A toddler reached her eager arms with hope to be caressed He gathered her as would a hen beneath a wing’d embrace She nestled, resting list’ning ear upon His whisp’ring chest That with each beat, repeats His Love and Grace
A rowdy boy soaked up the peace that flowed forth from this Face He plunged his sunburnt head within the worn and tassled shawl Then sobbed, surprised! discov’ring Love that would not be erased Despite his earthlyfather’s tragic fall
A girl stood distant, downcast, feeling worthless and ashamed She could not trust this stranger, for her heart concealed a scar With lonely longing, watched the care the other ones had claimed While the Rabbi searched for someone, near and far
Her look then locked with His! She froze, amazed He’d seek her out She hid; He called her name and bid her join her younger peers She felt a surge of hope that purged her fears and drowned her doubt His eyes sent peace that ceased her bitter tears
As she approached, He coaxed each step; His smile broad and bright Its radiance removed her shame and proved to her, her worth He pulled her in and told her, “You are precious in my sight” (2) Her scar was healed! This moment, her rebirth
Throughout the years that followed all the youth retold their story How Love-in-Person held them in His arms, and in His gaze And how this holding freed their friend, refurbishing her glory Yet He’s heldthe child-like ones in every age
This Healer still repeats His plea, “Come unto Me” and rest (3) To restless ones whose guilt and pride give rise to hopeless pain “Unless you be converted and become like little children Youwill not enter into Heaven’s Reign” (4) *****
The lasting gifts our Father brings Ain’t “mockingbirds” or “diamond rings” Ain’t slick “looking glasses” Or quick “billy goats” (1) Or spilling sacks of crisp green notes
Not boxes boasting bows and strings But seeds that grow undying things These seeds will keep Our souls afloat And safe and sound in Peter’s Boat
First, FAITH- that gives our hearts great wings Then HOPE- for heaven’s “eternal springs” But the best (please ignore The lump in my throat) Is LOVE! A fact not up for vote
Bright LOVE for all, both bums AND kings For Christ, Who makes our spirits sing Three giftsever potent You’ll find me devotin’ To the matchmaking goals Of the “Bridegroom” of souls Whose love Is never Remote ***** (1) Hush Little Baby, by Mother Goose
Rhymes for the Rejoiceful 