IN LIEU OF

Spread love in lieu of ill will,

Like a bee on a rose in full bloom.

Life is good when we learn to give hugs in lieu of hate.

When things don’t get well,

We have a great chance to show our best.

Our heart must be wide to peace, joy, and hope

In lieu of rage, grief, and doubt.

Hold in our mind a dream,

Make it live with calm in lieu of angst.

Step by step, day by day.

Don’t rush.

As a strong tree holds a frail nest,

God’s grace holds our slight soul.

His eyes watch our paths.

Have faith in His words in lieu of fear or scorn.

 Each hour in our life

Is worth its weight in gold.

Like a gem, time is a grand gift.

In lieu of vain acts

Make wise use of our time.

 To punch the air is to be a fool,

To kick to a rock is to be a daft.

Spend our strength with care

In lieu of poor sense.

 See the small ants and how they build their nest,

See the sleek flight of the ducks,

They work as a team in lieu of as one.

 A nice and rich life has a plan.

Make one and work up to it with grit.

Our goals will be earned with a brave heart,

In lieu of good luck; don’t play life by ear.

 Take care of our flesh and bones;

They are our prime wealth.

Keep brisk and stay full of life,

In lieu of hurt and pain.

 An act can talk more than ten men’s words.

A fond sign drawn on our face

Has more worth than a lot of coins.

Treat our loved ones as kings in lieu of as slaves.