For the first time in well over a year I didn’t go to church or attend a church service. Maybe that’s bad for a pastor to confess. Shockingly, I didn’t turn on Christian radio. I did read scripture, pray, and hope to do communion with my wife later. At least I’m honest. Last night we thought we might be heading to the hospital by this morning. My wife is having contractions and we think our son may be making his entrance today. This is my poem for him. I plan to hold him and read it to him sometime after he is born. I could barely sleep last night as I thought through the words I wanted to write him. To get this you must read it top to bottom then bottom to the top. Feedback welcome.

Title: Perspective

You, son are part of a lost generation

and I refuse to believe that

the world can change

I realize this may one day be a shock but
“Happiness comes from within.”

is a lie, and so is

“Money, sex, or fame will make me happy.”
So in 29 years I will tell all my children

they are not the most important people in my life

My work and ministry will know that

I have my priorities straight because
work and ministry

is more important than

family

I tell you this

Once upon a time

the family stayed together

but this will not be true for our generations

We are in a quick fix, plastic society

Experts tell us

29 years from now, Your mother and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary of our divorce

I do not believe that

We will live in a country of our own making

In the future

Rampant individualism will be the norm

No longer can it be said that

My peers and I care about other people’s lives

It will be evident that

Our generations are apathetic and lethargic

It is foolish to presume that

There is hope.

And all of this will come true unless God through Christ works in us to reverse it.