A Grain of Wheat

 Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

A Grain of Wheat

The road ahead is rough
strewn with many obstacles
faithful life is never easy
this one of service and compassion.

To walk this trail is madness
it calls for us to be broken open
to be scattered and blown
like seeds on the autumn wind.

We are grains of richest wheat
our blessing in our poverty
we must drop the egos and give
new life and hope to others.

The pain of sacrifice and loss
required by all who truly love
is real and deeply known
storm waves rolling over us.

We will rise again tomorrow
facing the uneven path ahead
walking with care and trusting
our stumbling will bring light.