Squandering What We Have - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

In the quest for possessions
the things of this earth
chasing the latest, the greatest
As a country, as individuals
missing what we would treasure
squandering what we have

Limited days, on this path
the ways of the flesh
chasing a false idol
leaving our loved ones behind
Our possessions an anchor
a weight around our feet
Holding us tethered
when we should soar instead

Lives made more complicated
burdened by the stuff of the earth
missing our opportunities to share our gifts
in service to our neighbors
our brothers, our sisters in need

Shackled to our treasure
our eyes upon the dust
blind to the eternal
the things of heaven on earth

November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)