Oh the offers

Offers come continually. What will we say this time?

Oh the offers come:

The conference will cost less

If only I will do more:

Wake up earlier

Than I ever do,

Organize the materials,

Introduce the speaker,

Be eternally present.

Oh the offers come:

Will I consider

Interim ministry again?

Oh the offers:

There is a tiny kitten

A girl,

Calico.

I understand all calicoes

Are girls.

There is a tiny kitten

Waiting in Ohio,

A tiny catbox,

Kitten-size food dishes

Already in the car.

The old cat,

Sound asleep

In one of his many cat beds,

Has no idea.

No idea whatsoever.

With those who work

A second reflection on a favorite bedtime prayer:

I remember, years ago, taking my turn as the on-call chaplain at night. One time I talked with a youth group touring the city at night. They met with me to find out what I did. I was only one stop on their tour. I admired the woman who thought to do this, to put together such a tour, to open eyes to the City at night, the people at work there.

God has a night ministry.

She walks the streets

Roams the alleys

Finds her way

To the Emergency Room.

I have met Her there.

She holds babies born

After hours,

Swaddles them in soft blankets.

She finds all who claim the night hours

To be their time to work,

Night hours borne for the cleaning

Of office buildings;

Night hours for those

Who see stars

As their livelihood.

God has a night ministry.

She keeps tabs

On those who work

In the dark.