With a wink and a nod to Jack Johson and of  course Reverend Brett, from the House of Prayer Church on Second Life, today’s Sunday morning poem is based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-10New International Version (NIV).

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10New International Version (NIV)

Together We Are Better
by Michael Romani

In God I have found hope and favor
The Faith that arises, I do savor
And two are better than one
For with two, more can be done
And when it is that I falter
The other helps me go farther

Relationship is what it's all about
Read it again and have no doubt
The journey should not be alone
I am not an island or made of stone
Happiness is found in the connection
The numbers offer their protection

The closeness of well groomed relation
Is something better than fascination
It is not good for man to be alone
This truth is one that I need to own
Engraved in God's Word and ways
Fellowship is meant for all of my days

It's there in that love for one another
Finding each as my sister and brother
Christian life isn't just a one on one
It's essential but not the only thing done
He wants us to walk side by side
With others on whom we can confide

In loving God, we love our neighbors
It is in these connections life savors
We are part of a Holy relationship; family
Best lived together and not in the solitary
Not as some sort of Holy hermit in the desert
Of this much, I will always hold to and assert

Too many live on the surface in a vain attempt
To avoid the familiarity that breeds contempt
Hopeful that absence will make us grow fonder
But, there's a lot of hurt in that one to ponder
Closeness with others will get us through better
Let there be no doubt, we're better together

There are four little things we all can do
That will help us understand in taking this cue
Acceptance without judgment is the way
Being kind to one another each and every day
As Christ has forgiven we should all forgive
This is the first step in this Christianity we live

And so I go and do my very best to sin no more
Meeting the world with my best me at the door
No condemnation just a open, loving heart
This is a fine place for each of us to live our start
Friends are the light that shines into our night
Taking away the darkness and making things right

Paying attention to the things that really matter
Anything less is a path that will always shatter
Being present with all, listening to all they speak
Focused on absorbing not just looking for a peak
Offering ourselves to be part of that service
In this, we all find love and giving as our purpose

Called to serve and not to demand and receive
This is the cause behind which I stand and believe
My intention to help is my purpose in life
To bring the best peace and to lessen strife
If you are seeking the meaning to all of this
This is the one point, you really should not miss

There's a secret to life in those not deceived
A blessing made and given is a blessing received
All of this lived in love and showing appreciation
This is the best investment without depreciation
Giving others the understanding of all that they do
Letting others know you keep this in your view

Thanking God for those around every day and night
Lights a candle of joy that spreads into every sight
Purposeful attention and intention to love
Making and keeping the Earth as Heaven above
Thankfulness in keeping all of this so very real
Is the manner in which we seal this Godly deal

The only way to keep out lives in quality
Is in realizing that we are all one family
Showing appreciation through our attention
Keeping gratitude as our best intention
Not giving into all of life's solitary distractions
But letting those around know their distinctions

The power is in each of our God guided hands
It's not simply a matter of following God's commands
Be ready to serve and love all of the others
The many who make up our sisters and brothers
We are called to live this life of intentional love
And to make this a better place, much like that above

(c) August 6, 2017 Michael Romani
All Rights Reserve