Meaningful Monday

A Soldier's Poem

The soldier stood and faced God

which must always come to pass,

He hoped his shoes were shining

just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,

how shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders

And said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't

because those of us who carry guns

can't always be a saint."

"I've had to work most Sundays

And at times my talk was tough

And sometimes I've been violent

because the world is awful rough."

"But, I never took a penny

that wasn't mine to keep.......

Though I worked a lot of overtime

when the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear,

and sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears."

"I know I don't deserve a place

among the people here.

They never wanted me around

except to calm their fears."

"If you've a place for me here, Lord

it needn't be so grand,

I never expected or had too much.

But, if You don't, I'll understand."

There was a silence all around the throne,

where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly

for the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,

you've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in HELL."

~Author unknown

Thank you, to all who serve, have served or have died in all branches of the service and from all allied forces. You are supported and appreciated for your sacrifices.