Servants

by Gene Shelburne

You taught us, Lord, that the person who would be great

            among us must be the servant of all.

 

Thank you for these who have served our city so long

                        and so well.

                                                For every hour they have deducted from family time

                                                            and personal fun,

                                                For every dollar they could have made at work while

                                                            we paid them pennies to take care of our city’s

                                                            business,

                                                For every sacrifice their years of leadership have

                                                            required, Lord,

                                    We give You thanks and ask that You reward their labor

                                                            (because You know that we don’t).

 

                                    We are grateful, Lord, for the willing spirit of these

                                                            who have agreed to bear the leadership burden of our

                                                            city during the months ahead.

                                                By Your grace may they be blessed with

                                                                          bodies that are strong,

                                                                            minds that are clear,

                                                                              souls that are humble,

                                                                                 hearts that are honest,

                                                so that their service to our city will make it a nobler

                                                            place.

 

                                                            Through Him Who calls all of us

                                                            to be Your servants.

Amen.