As I listen to the elders

They speak of yesteryear

How faith removed their fear

How much they’ve grown

The God they’ve always known

Life lessons they’ve learned

All the stripes they’ve earned

How God showed them the way

How they got through each day

The love they feel

How they know it’s real

How they found their voice

When they learned to rejoice

The values they’ve shared

All the dreams they’ve dared

What they saw in stone

Why God wouldn’t leave them alone

Why they always sing

Why they embrace everything

And they speak of solid ground

As well as the joy they found

As I listen to the elders

They speak of a time

One during their prime

What filled their hearts

Where love usually starts

Every journey they’ve had

What makes them glad

What fills their soul

What makes life whole

God’s encouraging word

The one they’ve always heard

How they stay strong

Whether they’re right or wrong

How they fill chapter

With joy and laughter

What lifts them up

What fills their cup

How they honor God

With more than a wink and nod

And how they pass every past

Just like all the rest