Lessons from the Coal Stove

Lessons From The Coal Stove

A charming piece of steel
Sits on a hearth of brick
The wall behind it also lined
The warmth of it I feel.

I only use this stove
In the long, cold winter months
But it makes the home so cozy
To gather round in droves.

Each morning and each night
I shake the ashes down
I add new coal to the fire
To keep it burning bright.

The burning coal gives much heat
And keeps the basement warm
But as the warm air rises
The comfort is hard to beat.

Without the coals inside
This charming piece of steel
Is just an eyesore in the room
With nowhere it can hide.

Ashes must be shaken down
Or the fire has no breath
It becomes choked and smothered
Like one who always frowns.

New coal must be added too
To keep the fire warm
For without new coals being added
I have to start with new.

So love is like that stove
Sitting on the hearth
Without it being tended to
It soon will lose its love

We need to shake the ashes
Of selfishness and greed
So the flower of acceptance
Can bloom without the bashes.

We need to add new coals
Of tenderness and touch
Along with other thoughtful deeds
To help the other reach their goals.

For everyone needs love to live
And it’s needed every day
For one cannot truly live
Without some love to give.

TO CHERISH

Today as we celebrate
Not only what happened on this date
But also the friendship we built
Free from all bondage and guilt
And cherish each other.

For we have received
And in each other believed
That God has a plan for our life
Free from all bondage and strife
As we cherish each other.

While at times it’s hard
And at times let down our guard,
Let us remember the pledge we made
And the foundation that’s laid
And cherish each other.

So let us begin anew
To allow friendship to continue
And in each other believe
And from each other receive
As we cherish each other.