One Thing You Lack

Your life resembles a well-crafted book
And you’re willing to take a thoughtful look;
Columns of figures comprise the sum,
Year-end results will show what you’ve done.

What if there’s an area neglected,
Forgotten or much earlier rejected?
Are you open to making needed change?
Can you, your rigid ideas re-arrange?

Not to be fussy or hypercritical,
Not that you failed to be analytical;
You reject failure, aim for success;
See if you will pass God’s test.

Once a man said, “There’s one thing you lack. . . “
Listeners paid attention, taken aback;
A spiritual truth it turned out to be,
Vital consideration for you or me.

You might welcome it— an idea, find,
To pique the interest of your active mind.
Maybe it’s time for you to take
Another look, for Heaven’s sake.

By Elaine Hardt ©2007

Hello, New Year: I'm Ready and I'm Here

I’m ready to meet the New Year,
No matter what bad news I hear;
God sees and He knows,
My faith in Him grows,
I’m ready to meet the New Year.

I’m ready to meet the New Year,
I’ll take my stand without fear;
I’m reading God’s Word,
His promise I’ve heard,
I’m ready to meet the New Year.

I’ll talk to the Lord in prayer,
Finding peacefulness there.
When I’m tempted to confusion,
I’ll cast out thoughts of delusion.

I’ll recite reasons for gratitude,
Improving my smile and my attitude.
I’ll offer forgiveness where You show me,
I receive Your forgiveness gratefully.

I’m determined to grow stronger,
Delay new commitment no longer.
God knows what is best
To honor Him in each test.
I’m ready to meet the New Year.

I’m ready! I’m ready! I’m ready
to meet the New Year.

— Elaine Hardt ©2005