The old homeless man sat on the wall at the beach by the sea.

Good morning sir he said as I walked by,

  toward the picnic table located under a large shade tree. 

His home an old two door red Nissan was parked next to me.

I walked hurriedly by taking little notice of him at all,

I wondered to myself what in his life had caused his down fall.

After sitting by the beach for an hour enjoying the day,

 walking by him toward my car, he only had these words to say,

“ There is still time for God and prayer in the day. “

Did he know the secret of the years that I had let slip away?

Hurrying through life not enjoying laughter, love of friends and family,

sometimes never a good word to say.  Just rushing through life day by day?

Missing out on the childhood recitals and my children at play,

once a child has grown you can’t go to the park together for the day.

During those lost years there never seemed to be enough time in life’s stage play.

Never enough time for God and prayer during the day!

The golden years are now upon me and my youth has gone.

My children are grown and their childhood freedom has become

the adults dramatic play.

Don’t rush your life away, treasure your family that in a moment can be taken a way.

Especially love your children as they grow and prosper each day.

Take a moment to spend with those less fortunate, have a pleasant word to say.

Make time for God and prayer in your day.

Remember, years that have vanished cannot be replaced like harsh words spoken.

For once harsh words are spoken a kind word won’t take the pain away.

Always remember the words spoken by the homeless man at the beach by the bay.

“ There is still time for God and prayer in the day. “

Copyright Lloyd Winstead