A Blessing

Every night I count my blessings

For gaining a family like you

Even though we aren’t related

You help my light shine through

You helped me climb a mountain

In the Colorado heat

At the same time

You helped me witness the shooting stars

That only some will ever see

You led me to New Orleans

To share my gift from God

I stood in a room full of 40,000 people

All with one goal in mind

Katrina was the name that tore this city apart

You sent me to rebuild it

And mend a broken heart

I walked miles in the rain to serve others

I would do it all over again

I watched my peer give money

To the homeless on the street

I watched another donate hair

To children that don’t have enough

Because of you I came across people

I never thought I’d meet

People who changed the way I live

People who changed my dreams

You placed me on a bus to Brooklyn

To connect with people unlike myself

I slept in a church basement

In the middle of the street

Where I could sit outside

And say hello to people I aspired to meet

You brought me to a nursing home

Where I met a lady who was eager to speak

She told me about that day

On the 97^th floor

She was in the world trade center

But “bombing” was the only word that she could say

She couldn’t go on

This happened in the 90s

And though I was very young

I could understand the pain she went through

Just by looking in her eyes

Our group danced the mamba

We played checkers with a champ

A day I’ll never forget

But now onto the next

When you took me to a park

Where I met less fortunate kids

Most only talked in Spanish

But I understood what they were trying to say

A five year old boy confided in me

About his family life

He was fearful of going home,

Why is that? I say

Though I’m nervous to hear the truth

He says it anyway

I’m afraid my mother will beat me

Is all that comes out of his mouth

I tell him don’t be scared

Be brave

Everything will be okay

I worry through the night

About a boy who touched my heart

To see him smiling the next day

Is what I needed to erase my fright

My final youth group trip came and went

And on that August day

As I moved into my dorm

I reminisce about these places

I have gone because of you

I reflect on the good times

I ruminate about the blue

The people I have met

Were a blessing in themselves

The memories will always be here too

To give the gift of a smile

To make a person laugh

Is all I needed to make my way

Across campus on that hot, sunny day

I walked into a food pantry outside of town

Knowing exactly what to say

I want to make a difference

No matter where I stay

The people of my church

Have taught me what to do

I want to be as good to others

As they have been to me

So I thank Divinity

For guiding me down this path

My one goal in life

Is to make sure I give back

Because of you I walk out with a smile

Every Thursday night

Because of you I have been to places near and far

And have brought the gifts passed down to me

To share with those in need

In college I plan to continue

What was started at such a young age

That simple little virtue

You reminded me of each week

And as I lay my head down to sleep

I close my eyes and say

Thank you for those opportunities

That led me to where I am today