First Friday of Advent

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,
To those who are called, who are beloved in God the Father and kept safe for Jesus Christ:
May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.
        Jude 1-2

not for fortune or fame,
   not for success and power,
      not to do great things (though
             they may happen),
   not to take on tasks for which you are not prepared,
                   but
called
   to serve wherever you are
         and whoever comes along;
      to trust that God does indeed
         have the desire to use you
            (and will, if you get out of the way);

not because you are so handsome or beautiful,
   not due to your athletic prowess,
      and it's not your education or wealth or pedigree,
                  but you are
beloved
   because God has a bigger heart
      than all the hurts you cause,
   because God desires you
      more than you dare imagine,
   because God's forgiveness is able
      to cover any and all mistakes you make;

not from things that go bump in the night,
   not from those difficult words the doctor speaks,
      not from stresses that crumple your kness
   not from nights that seem to last an eternity,
not days which pass all too quickly,
                  you are
kept safe 
   in that grace which has no expiration date,
      in that hope which knows no boundaries,
   in that love which will never end.       

(c) 2011  Thom M. Shuman