How often?

How often do we grieve with someone
Over their painful loss?
How often do we help someone -
To carry their heavy cross?

How often do we offer to share
In the burdens of another?
How often do we genuinely care?
How often do we bother?

How often do we have ears and eyes
For someone else's hurt?
How often do we love in truth -
And in deed; not merely in word?

How often do we give of our time
And really listen to a neighbor?
How often do we lend them a hand;
Without expecting back a favor?

How often do we set aside our own
Wants and needs, from the heart?
How often do we make selfless choices;
Especially when it's hard?

How often do we esteem others
As better than ourself?
How often do we build a bridge -
Leave our differences on the shelf?

How often dare we be authentic;
And show our innermost being to others?
How often dare we be vulnerable;
And show them our true colors?

How often do we act Christ-like?
How often do we act meek?
How often do we consistently -
The highest good of others seek?

Heaven knows, not often enough…
Not quite as often as we should…
Not quite as often as we could…
Yes, heaven knows, not often enough.