The Chaplain

There are so many chaplains sprinkled around the world in many spheres of life. Here’s to each one:

There he goes, here she comes,

right on time, to render their care.

They sit with the weak,

and listen as they speak.

They stand at the work,

no burden do they shirk.

Prepared to pray,

they commit to stay.

The burdens they bear,

require them to feel and to share.

Integrity’s their gift,

their job is to sift.

Servant-hearted and fair,

all their moments are spare.

Bringing sense to a rift,

theirs is a peace to lift.

Leading as an exemplar,

their integrity’s beyond par.

Their role is as a slave,

what matters is what they gave.

God’s safe presence is theirs,

what speaks are their cares.

Their love is the Bible,

to read it with a disciple.

They’re a prophetic voice,

to give executive choice.

Trusted ally at all times,

they can see the signs.

Their service is humble,

they do not grumble.

They love all in their care,

and that example they share.

Availability’s their gift,

giving an ever-timely lift.

Their work seems easy,

but it’s not for the queasy.

Their perspective is wise,

seeing the one who contrives.

Though goodness they see,

in every he and she.

Relied upon everywhere,

their call is to dare.

Their role’s beyond vocation,

they just love their station.

When it’s to mourning they go,

they have empathy to flow.

But in joy they lark,

they can carry a spark.

Of all the people they know,

they believe all can grow.

A ‘believer’ in good,

they do what they should.

A good chaplain’s beloved,

Whether they’re father or mother.