Full Extension

A pros poem I wrote, commemorating the efforts actualized in DBC's 2013 Youth Conference

Extend anyway, even with no support, for God is my under-guard.  Though with no rapport, God holds my arm.  He guides me like a compass.  Together we make it happen, though others doubted We would get this far.  But in God I trusted.  It might not have worked the first time but with minor adjustments, and a few things reconfigured, God made two small speakers sound even bigger, to where the voices of a few rival the praise of angels.  God alone is the megaphone; He gives the increase to praises.  I merely set the tables.  He enjoys a sweet smelling savor.  The challenge from my Savior is excellent behavior, as He promises that perfection will come later.  Along with acknowledgement from “haters” who engage in insignificant banter – that’s the hobby of the belated.  In a society where talk gets you ahead, work is understated.  So I align thought and action. One cannot be right and the other wrong.  A divided man is unstable, providing support to no one.  First do away with malicious talk, then comes the brighter outcomes, there shines light from dark, and then things will begin to work, and it will all make sense.  No one knows if their extension is enough until they make it to the end.  So Extend!!  Grab ceilings; ready hands to receive healing.  Now reach and stretch; opposite directions for toes and fingertips.  Hug the globe to grab the east and west winds, open sails on blessings - the north breeze from heaven.  Listen to this beautiful message: I cannot extend past my reach but my reach can continue extending - preventing me from ever overstretching.

They say youth is for the young, though with youth, wisdom can accomplish the work of a thousand sons.  They say wisdom is for the experienced, though with wisdom, what the youth started he finishes.  So, work smarter and not harder.  Work till the work is complete; work to go farther.  I work because my father bothered.  Work for tomorrow, as my yesterday’s are ‘thank you’s’ because I am still repaying the time that was borrowed.  I now recalculate the I.O.U’s that I undervalued, from the extension of my father’s father for his children’s children.  So I honor my mother with follow through and support my brothers with a spirit that is willing.  And my support is free.  All that is needed is able feet, reaffirmed knees, and courage to face whatever as humility reminds it’s not about me.

Extension by definition is future tense.  To extend in nature reaches towards the heavens, so I reach into my tomorrow with the work I do today.  But I cannot see into the future, I don’t know what’s about to come my way.  Still. I. Extend; because if we want more, God has more.  Get more for doing more which is often followed by a round of applause for all that was done imagining all that God has in store.  But, seemingly, He keeps it on the top shelf.  The cupboard of life sometimes requires getting help. If I look up on hill tops, there goes my help.  I rejoice at the notion – rejoicing is good for my health.

Difficulties will come, my brethren, don’t be deceived.  Extension is not a one way door; look both ways even on one way streets.  What’s to prevent what’s outside from coming in or the feeling of frustration, like you’re on repeat?  The same things over and over and over again, that’s the life of a toilet seat.  I ask, is that the kind of life God really has planned for me?  I should be holding clipboards like a coach, or a trophy, because I’m a victor with my team standing beside me. Visualize us all together, tightly together, arms extended, in every direction – we look like a tree!  With the roots of our feet firmly invested, with sound instruction …OUR extension will certainly reach the end of any exit.  No one will have to tell it, it will be obvious that there is no further to go.  At the end, you’re either sorry forever or seated next to the throne.  At this point there is no going home or going back to what was known.  Successful extension pulls up to new plateaus.  Lift up from the ground below because someone else extended and helped.  What did they help with?  Everything I couldn’t do myself.  With thanksgiving and gladness, I’m overwhelmed…. I Extend My Reach