Remember when we used to play outside until the sun went down
Remember when we used to laugh run and have no cares or worries
Remember how much brighter the sun was and colors radiant
Remember what it felt like to fly with the birds and swim in the sea
Remember how we were once young and fierce and free?

Now the world seems a little colder a little darker than before
Now it seems that little by little, life has somehow passed us by
We no longer know what it feels like to soar what it means to be alive
Full of concern we worry and fret we begin to forget
What things were like before we grew up.

Eyes so full of wonder filled with a sense of awe capturing each moment
Ears that take in every word every sound
Heart so filled with love and hope and more than big enough for all
Head full of hopes and dreams imagination and inspiration
Have a light and happy heart and never forget to bring your smile

There are many things we may end up teaching our kids one day
Important things to be sure
But our kids teach us and remind us where our focus should lie
Though we may not feel it sometimes they keep us young I would be remiss
If I forgot to mention the wisdom of a child is not a thing to dismiss

They look up to you and for better or for worse they are constantly watching
“I want to be a man like you” or “I want to marry a man just like daddy”
No sweeter words could a father hear, a greater gift no parent could ask for
Let us live our lives with balance: equal measures of youth and maturity
Of work and play, of fun and sincerity

May we have the grace to find balance in our lives
May we receive the judgment to put it into practice
And the peace that comes from having it realized

Amen