Once I stood by a house
As it set on a hill,
It was twisted and bent
But it`s standing yet still.
T`was a very old house
It was built years ago,
It was ugly and worn,
And it`s age - it did show.
The birds built their nests
On the rafters and sill,
They would sleep there at night
They were quiet and still.
In the day they would sit
Near the edge of the eave,
They would chatter and chirp
Till your heart it would peeve.
The windows were gone
From this place of abode,
The hinges were there
But they carried no load.
The plaster was cracked
The walls were all bare,
Not a soul was around
Not a "hide nor a hair."
The brush and the weeds
They were faithful outside,
They made it look rough
As they lived, and they died.
The rodents were there
Mid the leaves and the grass,
There they had a nice home
They would call it, "first class."
Precious soul, as you read
Of this story, so cold,
Is your life like a house
That is covered with mold?
Has the time slipped away
Till it`s sad and too late,
To redeem and buy back
Squandered years, - mankind`s fate?
Is your life like a house
That is empty and bare?
Are you void of his grace
Cause you never would care?
Have you helped those in need
As they plunder along,
Have you been a kind soul
Have you sung a sweet song?
Has your life been a light
To some soul in the dark,
Have you showed him the way
Have you saved his frail barque?
Or, can it be true
That you`ve failed to unlatch
All the "windows of truth."
That a beam he may catch?
Do not be like this house
As it sets on the hill,
Don`t be empty and void
Let the Lord your heart fill.
Up! arise! stir yourself
Do not longer delay,
Smite the foe of thy soul
Cast him out, yes, today.
--Virgil D. Shultz
1899-1973