Vacation and Service - Plus Poems by John Alexander

John Alexander lives in Frisco, Texas with his beautiful wife and his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Vacation and Service By John Alexander

When I consider the theme of serving while on vacation, it brings to mind fond memories of times when my wife and I have been on vacation with saints of the Lord who gave of their time to serve us. We were blessed to spend a week in Pine Cove in east Texas with a small group of Christian friends as the late Howard Hendricks taught us, up close and personal, in his own special way. What a man of the Lord—we were truly blessed. We were also blessed a few years ago to go on a cruise to Alaska and enjoy the teaching of our pastor, Dr. Chuck Swindoll. It was much smaller than the large Sunday morning services at Stonebriar Community Church, so we enjoyed spending time with him and other Christians who were part of the cruise in such a beautiful setting. Chuck is a wonderful teacher, and it truly blessed us that he served the Word to us daily while he too was on vacation. Whether you are serving or being served, I pray you are able to take breaks from the normal routine to be blessed or to bless others. We can all be a blessing to others, but it is extra special during those times that are set apart. I pray these poems about service are a blessing to you.

Covid Zone

Through Covid, brave nurses and doctors served well.

Each day in the trenches brought stories to tell.

Each day they would wonder, “Whose life will we lose?”

They fought and they battled, but they couldn’t choose.

Some patients were sweet and so gentle and kind.

So many shared worries they had on their mind.

Each a room with a number, can’t call them by name.

They’re all treated equally, each just the same.

One day they seem strong, that they’re over the peak.

The next day they’re suffering, fragile and weak.

Each day brings new heartache, a nurse says goodbye,

In place of a loved one, hold hands as they die.

The rooms hold the thanks for the ones who survived,

And the prayers of the staffers who mourned those who died.

They’re out of the war zone with time to reflect.

The memories linger with lasting effect.

Nourishment

What’s so enticing that lures me toward bad?

What I know is just empty and lonely and sad?

So many temptations to lead me astray.

I make a wrong turn and can soon lose my way.

Daily time with the Lord is a critical need

To keep myself focused in word and in deed,

To talk with Him openly, take time to hear,

To listen intently, but not with my ear.

I must hear with my heart what His Spirit reveals.

His Word’s more important than my daily meals.

As my body needs nourishment, food to survive,

My spirit needs feeding to live and to thrive.

I cherish these moments that I spend in prayer.

The Lord always listens, with love and with care.

His love is amazing, not what I deserve.

I can’t earn His love, but I can try to serve.

Stay True

Is my service to God based on blessings received?By Satan’s temptations, could I be deceived?

Am I fully committed to give God my praise,

The One who gives life and who numbers my days?

If I only serve for the blessings I gain,

Then my motives are flawed, and I serve Him in vain.

I pray that my service and motives stay pure,

No matter what comes that my faith may endure.

I pray I can always stay true to the Lord,

All mighty Creator whose grandeur’s adored.

May I trust Him to give me the strength for each day,

No matter what trouble and pain comes my way.

It’s not about me or what things I have done.

I don’t deserve blessings, not even just one.

I pray I remember that God’s love is true.

It cannot be earned by the things that I do.

Blessings, John

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