Ode to Dust, My Sworn Enemy

The thin gray layer of particles
    which appears as if by magic,
Makes me want to tear my hair
    and act the heroine quite tragic.

But Lo! I will NEVER concede
    defeat to this vile invader,
I will ever swear my vengence
    and stay strong as a contender.

So FEAR NOT, my house, to you
    I will remain strong, faithful and true,
Unto my last breath, sparring with duster in hand
     vanquishing the foe with the war cry of "Adieu"!*

THE END

( * "Off With Its Head" would have been so much more dramatic but writing the rest of the stanza would take too much time. And I have three more rooms yet to conquer...)

Maundy Thursday -- Thankful Today of ALL Days

Earlier this morning I was asking myself how I would feel if I knew my earthly life was going to end. In just hours. Hanging on a coarse wooden cross at the age of 33, absorbing ALL of the sin of the world so that believers could receive eternal life. Honestly I will admit the 'weight' of that choice felt totally overwhelming to me. Yet Jesus watched as every necessary piece of his last hours played out before him and he never faltered. He knew in his heart beyond the excruciating physical pain yet to come lay His Father's most incredible gift. Life with Him. For us all.

About an hour ago I sent the above to our neighborhood email group. Upon further reflection I want to add this note:

My junior year in high school I was chosen to carry the Christ candle out of our Maundy Thursday service. As the candle slowly moved down the main aisle any and all other lights behind the recession were extinguished. The sanctuary was left in complete and utter darkness. Those in the pews were absolutely silent. Each understood the symbolism of the exit of the Light of the World from the Garden of Gethsemane. The sacrifice about to be made. The ancient prophesy's impending fulfillment.

The following afternoon my French teacher, Mrs. Morgan, was sharing her experience of the service with our class. I'll never forget the question she posed to all her students while looking straight at me: "How can your life NOT be affected by that?"

Thirty-nine years later mine still is.