Generosity

‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’ Matthew 20:1-16

God's Generosity 

Rising up early flying home
uncertain future wobbly legs
weary from packing and goodbyes
we entrust our lives again to God.

Leaning into everlasting arms
we sleep the deep laborers sleep
and weep the tears of children
too soon leaving the playground.

Moving through the light and air
we let go of hopes and dreams
praying for new insight and vision
we seek the Creator's pleasure again.

Leaving love behind to new vistas
worry creeps in as we crawl forward
there is enough of everything for today
and tomorrow's in God's hands.

Looking up we see the air above clouds
close to heaven we remember the promises
I am with you all to the end of the age
I will bring you to a land of milk and honey.