Thirty years on the job
Then came, "it's time to retire,
Words I thought I'd never hear
The day I was hired.

Then came the long haul back home 
The thought became my constant dream,
Near home and the old folks
Became priority or so it seemed.

God gave us six small acres
Perhaps it's not large in size,
But that six small acres
Has become our land of paradise.

We've weeds, and grass to mow
It's hard knowing where to start,
The time spent in flowers and garden 
The passion keeps us young at heart.

We find ourselves pausing to reflect
On the joys we share in life,
Oh, to think we own a mighty oak;
On such blessing, can one set a price.

A garden to share God's bounty
From tiny seeds we see our garden grow,
He sends sunshine to make things ripen
And rain to harvest when we hoe.

Fall comes with the golden autumn
As we count our blessings not a few,
While we watch the first snowflakes
Birds feed at our window, what a view.

As we share peace and contentment
When "cabin fever" gets us down,
we recall memories of days gone by
And all the joys we have found.

We still find ourselves amazed
On how to measure God's amazing grace,
We're aware that we're so undeserving;
Of the joy we've shared in this place.

Forty three years and counting
Why god showered us with such care,
We're careful to always praise him
As we pause and pray a "thank you" prayer.
 

                                              Carl L. Hempen