INVENTORY TIME

This is a busy time of year
For all who make the dough
For they must fill out papers
So that Uncle Sam might know
Just how we fare in this cold world
These papers, they much show.
But most of us around this board
Have done our bit and well.
He has relieved us of this task
We do not need to shell
Out income taxes as of yore.
For once each month he gives to us
A nice pat on the back.
This lovely home in which we live
You cannot call a shack.
This pat we receive dwindles rapidly
It hardly lasts clear thru
From month to month but just the same
We shout a big "Thank You."
There is no other country
Who would do as much as he
To feed the hungry in this world
And try to clothe them too.
This is inventory time
For every factory, store, and such
To see if they are still on top
Or way down in the dust.
We've lived so many good long years
And God has blessed us much.
I think we should take Inventory
Of our own lives to see
If we have kept in touch with Him
Our heavenly Father each day
It's so easy to forget
To just take time to pray.
He gives us love and mercy
And walks with us each day
If only we'd but take His Hand
And walk along in His Way.
So let's take inventory of our lives
That we cause no one tears
And try to make this one
A very Happy Year.

by Elizabeth Calkins Lyons.
1975