He really planned to go to church.
He knew it was important, and would help him in his life,
Because of all the turmoil that he faced, and all the strife.
But somehow days just slipped away, and then the months and years,
While he kept struggling with his guilt, his problems and his fears,
And so, the church went on without him.
He said he soon would go to church.
He oft recalled the childhood times he went to Sunday School,
And how he learned John 3:16, and said the Golden Rule.
And he remembered pictures taken with his blushing bride,
While at the altar vows were said, as they stood side by side.
But now, the church went on without him.
He truly meant to go to church.
He worked so many hours each week, and when the weekend came,
He needed time just to relax, or practice his golf game.
And there were dozens of small tasks that he alone could do.
Before he even finished them, his weekend time was through.
And so, the church went on without him.
He promised he would go to church.
When friends and family begged him, he had lots of reasons why
The time was not convenient, but it would be by and by.
Soon things would settle down, and he would have more time to do
The countless tasks that he'd put off, and some that were brand new.
But still, the church went on without him.
He finally went to church.
His friends all came to see him, and to say a last farewell.
And many eyes were teary as they heard his funeral knell.
They thought of all the wasted years, and blessings cast aside,
Because he thought he'd find the time for church before he died.
And still, the church goes on without him.
He knew it was important, and would help him in his life,
Because of all the turmoil that he faced, and all the strife.
But somehow days just slipped away, and then the months and years,
While he kept struggling with his guilt, his problems and his fears,
And so, the church went on without him.
He said he soon would go to church.
He oft recalled the childhood times he went to Sunday School,
And how he learned John 3:16, and said the Golden Rule.
And he remembered pictures taken with his blushing bride,
While at the altar vows were said, as they stood side by side.
But now, the church went on without him.
He truly meant to go to church.
He worked so many hours each week, and when the weekend came,
He needed time just to relax, or practice his golf game.
And there were dozens of small tasks that he alone could do.
Before he even finished them, his weekend time was through.
And so, the church went on without him.
He promised he would go to church.
When friends and family begged him, he had lots of reasons why
The time was not convenient, but it would be by and by.
Soon things would settle down, and he would have more time to do
The countless tasks that he'd put off, and some that were brand new.
But still, the church went on without him.
He finally went to church.
His friends all came to see him, and to say a last farewell.
And many eyes were teary as they heard his funeral knell.
They thought of all the wasted years, and blessings cast aside,
Because he thought he'd find the time for church before he died.
And still, the church goes on without him.
Source - Betty Jo Mings
This poem really got my attention. It is so easy for me to get caught up in the "busyness" of
life and fail to do what I was placed here to do, worship him and witness
to others.
Please join me atSpiritual Sundays
This poem is so true in manhy lives. I remember years ago, one of the young married told me her husband can't attend church because he has to work on Sundays. Me and my big mouth, I told her that I would pray that he find a new job == one with his week ends free.
ReplyDeleteAnd soon he did. Honestly I believe he thought about it and made a decision to look for another job.
Your words were just the encouragement he needed!
DeleteThanks for sharing and for your visit. Something to think about ~
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post. It is a blessing being part of a Christian community who supports your faith and believes with you; who walks with you through the highs and lows of life; who prays for you and who gives you the opportunity to do the same for them.
ReplyDelete~willa~
It is so easy to identify with the procrastination, and still true, maybe more so, when we substitue praying or spending time or loving for the going to church.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteWow what a sad ending. This poem speaks to many of us who neglect God and pay more attention to the cares of this life. May we not fall into that trap. Thanks for stopping by blog post about Lance Armstrong's Downfall.
Blessings,
Judy
I have read before but it is something that is good to read again.I love pics of churches. Great Post!
ReplyDelete