But many who are first

    will be last,

and the last first.

          Matthew 19. 30

(My dad used to say

we are really going to

    be surprised one day.

Our hearts are revealed by

those who seek forgiveness,

who practice grace,

who live in integrity,

who seek what is good

   and right and loving and kind.

Not earning His love and favor

  but by yearning in our love for Him.

Do we seek first place in line,

the best seats,

the closest parking place,

the biggest piece of pie,

or consider it the opportunity

   to love and serve God

                  and others?

Whose name is written

             on this day?

 For His name's sake

          or my own?

You first.)

O LORD,

Help us to not get caught up

   in behaviors

   that others will see,

but to pay attention

      to following You.

Change our hearts

   that You will be known.

Help us to approach

     what is before us this day

                   differently

     because we love You.

May You be seen

even in what we don't realize.

Help us to be a witness

   that others may know

that this life is not all there is

and that they are

             loved by You.