The degrees on your wall, the awards that you’ve earned

You can’t take them with you, they’re going to burn

The medals and trophies on top of your mantle

Have as much staying power as smoke from a candle

The stocks that you own and the money you’ve saved

Won’t increase your worth when you’re in the grave

Goals, agendas, programs, checklists

Chasing the wind, corralling the mist

That promotion, that bonus, that ultimate goal

Profits you nothing if you forfeit your soul

So is this the end? Is existence so cruel?

Is purpose a fantasy crafted by fools?

Or is there a greater, magnificent plan

Unfolding in ways that we don’t understand?

Illumined by hope and faith’s guiding light

The Shepherd leads on through darkest of night

The riddle unlocked with love and thanksgiving

The Gift is the Journey, yes, life is worth living