| THE GROUCH page 2 |
The good reverend I'm sure would not have been shocked To learn that at Heaven's door... The old grouch was that minute causing a scene That no one up there had witnessed before! He banged on the Pearly Gate hard with his cane Yelling, "HELLO?? Are you there? Let me in!!!" And when an angel informed him that he'd have to wait He raised a ruckus with much noise...a great din!! Angels came running from everywhere In Paradise...they're not used to such noise!! Temper tantrums have no place in Heaven, I fear They're accustomed to quieter joys!! So a sizeable crowd had collected When St. Peter came bustling through He went straight to the admissions angel Who asked, "Peter, what am I to do?" "This one's convinced he belongs here! The angel began to perspire and shake "I'm sure this has never happened before It must be a dreadful mistake!" Just then the Pearly Gates rattled again The old man's determination was clear!! "ARE YOU GOING TO OPEN UP OR NOT?" "YOU MUST LET ME IN....DO YOU HEAR?" So St. Peter said, "Let me get Michael... He's officially in charge of arrivals!!" "Well, be quick about it," the gatekeeper said "Or I fear for the whole wall's survival!" Peter hurried off and found Michael The favorite archangel of God the Father.... He explained the dilemma the best way he could "The old man's quite wrong...what a bother!!" But Michael just smiled.."Wait here" he said I'll take this whole thing a step higher..... To the Ultimate Judge, who then can decide If the grouch gets his wings or the fire!" The angel found the Savior out walking In the garden on a heavenly path "Lord" Michael started, "Trouble at the gate..." "Yes, I heard," Jesus said with a laugh! Michael explained "I'm sure it's an error For his attitude is more than just bad...." But Jesus nodded, "His name is Albert And his tale's both tragic and sad! Sit down here awhile with me, Michael And let me give you the inside story Some things you should know about Albert And why he's convinced he's earned glory!" "When he was a lad, his family was poor There were four children younger than he... His dad left them all and never looked back And when his mom died soon after you see Albert quit school....he was only 17 But there was nothing else that he could do He worked 2 jobs...kept the family together Gave up on his dreams coming true! He pulled double shifts at the factory But still made sure all his siblings could read... Sat up at night hearing their lessons Supplied all their growing-up needs! Albert worked and saved every penny he could For he knew the value of knowledge He put both of his younger brothers through school Paying the fees and tuitions for college! |
| Now one is a lawyer and doing quite well The other's a doctor who's saved many lives Albert himself never finished high school But he made sure all his siblings survived! He paid for one sister's wedding Bought her a house and a fine start in life Trying to forget how he'd lost the girl That he once dreamed he take for his wife! & when the other sister's boy developed cancer The treatments were expensive...so high! Albert took all he had left and wrote out the check He could not let his young nephew die! He lived his life only for others.... His own needs always came last But he didn't brag...so few people knew Most who met him..judged wrong and too fast! So he became angry and bitter At the world, yes....but never at God He prayed to Me every day of his life "Lord help me on this path I must trod!" And yes, he's developed an attitude.. One that is even hateful some say But they don't know Albert like I do," said Jesus "Trust me Michael...he's here to stay!" "Men judge each other so harshly By actions and things done or said But whenever the Father sizes someone up? He measures 'round the heart...not the head! Michael sprang to his feet.."I'll go get him! He's still shouting!! Outside alone!" Jesus just smiled, "I think I'll go Myself And welcome Albert into his new home!" The crowd at the gate quickly scattered When they saw the Master draw near... But He said, "Come closer...don't run away! "Brother Albert wants in!! Don't you hear?" Then Jesus swung open the huge Pearly Gate And saw the grouch with his cane in the air! "Come in, come in...My dear Albert!! You should not have been left standing there!" And so the old grouch hobbled into heaven "Bout time, too!" his words low but still clear Then he looked down at his cane & up at his Lord Saying, "I just can't believe that I'm here!" Jesus put an arm round his shoulders Smiling, " I'm so glad to see you, My son... I'm happy you're home...let Me show you around And, Albert?" He whispered..."Well done!" Dusty Richardson |
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