Reflections on Fifty Years of Ministry

On May 7, 1960 I received my license to preach. On the eve of my 50th anniversary I put together this reflective poem.

Reflections on Fifty Years of Ministry
By Larry R Linville

When I was a child of twelve
I felt God called me to preach.
Didn’t know what it involved
nor what it would take to reach.

Had I known how hard it was
to reach my intended goal
I might have lost my courage
snd not been able to grow.

I preached my way through college
and I was still unafraid.
One time I thought I should quit
but God blessed me and I stayed.

I’ve done it fifty years now
even though I’m now part time.
I’ve survived every valley
and mountains I had to climb.

I’ve prayed with folks in trouble
and danced with those in their joys.
I’ve spent time with the old ones
and with the young girls and boys.

I have moved from church to church
whose salaries kept me humble
and when I overvalued myself
I usually took a tumble.

I guess God is not through with me
as I take time to reflect.
I’ll keep on serving as I can
not knowing what to expect.