Reflections on my Call
By larry r Linville

I didn’t know at the age of twelve
when I answered God’s call to preach
that the commitment I had made
would be difficult for me to reach.

I had a laity concept
of what a preacher’s job is about
when sometimes the sheer magnitude
can smother a person with doubt.

I couldn’t imagine the great bliss
that comes when you help another
or how much pain there can be
when you work with a sick brother.

I never guessed the long hours required
for what I thought an easy career
and yet when I felt exhaustion
my heart could overflow with cheer.

I could never guess how many folks
would share a special place with me
in the deepest of priceless bonds
more special than anyone could see.

There are no words that I can find
in my best poetic creation
to express the inexpressible
of my God-given vocation.