W

hile I slept, I was escorted down to the licensing bureau for the living at midnight to sign on for another year’s lease.

Like most leases, there is an extension that has to be made to continue possessing that lease, and for the 66th time I did so as the clock turned to 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 6.

I signed on for a time period to occupy space here on planet Earth for 365 more days.

I am not guaranteed that all 365 days will be occupied, only the opportunity to hope to be around if they all should arrive.

I also had to sign a disclaimer releasing the lessor of any liability due to loss of limb or life regarding my being allowed to remain.

That means, I am subject to all temptations that are common to man and not excluding diseases that I may be exposed to.

To be included are the possibilities of being overtaken in a fault, succumbing to cancer, another heart attack, any and all human sicknesses, become a victim of a car wreck or a violent crime, etc.

Like the old gospel song my oldest sister Jeanette has made famous locally by singing it in untold number of funerals and church services, “One Day At A Time, Sweet Jesus,” I will accept and enter into my new lease agreement and contract.

But, as is our custom here in America, I do have a birthday wish I would like to place today with lease agreement in hand.

Ever how many new days I am allowed on this my 66th extension I wish to be more like Jesus than all previous 65 before.

I wish to fulfill the royal law, the golden rule and ALL 10 commandments each and every day, so at the end of such day I can lay my head on my pillow with no regrets.

I do not ask for riches or fame or the death of my enemies but only that all who know me can see Christ in me.

I wish to be about the father’s business so much that when my name is mentioned or my person seen, there will be enough evidence to convict me of being called a Christian.

I wish to have a right spirit, a clean heart and be full of good works.

I wish to hear the slightest whisper of a fellow citizen in need of help so I can offer a hand.

I wish to know each day when to speak and when to keep my mouth shut.

To turn the other cheek, make it to the second mile and do so with a smile.

I wish to make every step count and every waking moment Christian in intent and thus improve my community where I live.

I wish that my America will return to her roots of faith in God and never forget only he can lift us and protect us from those who broke our hearts back on 9/11.

I wish all the above and that the journey of No. 66 not turn into the grim results that caused Job and Jeremiah to wish their mother’s womb had been their grave.

Now, that’s a lot of wind to muster to blow the candles out on but I do so give it all I got.

Until later, your pastor friend reporting the news for Jesus.

Not knowing what awaits me, I am just glad all you folks are around to cheer me on.

God bless you, and God bless America.

Mike Dykes is a pastor and story teller. He can be reached at angelsmannow@yahoo.com.