Today, I was talking to Erik of 10-4 Magazine on the phone and we were discussing an idea for a poem. Amidst our conversation, I commented on how he and the 10-4 team tend to be more interested in who drives the rigs they feature, rather than simply focusing on just the trucks themselves. I think that’s a very respectful and thoughtful perspective to have, considering how easy it could be to get caught up in the outer appearance of these rigs and maybe overlook the souls who drive them. Our conversation evolved into applying that same concept to how the Lord looks at us. Sure, He’s interested in our physical bodies, after all, He created them and gave them to us to be good stewards of for a period of time here on earth, but He’s most interested in our souls, which He created to last for eternity. These bodies of ours will eventually wear out, but our souls will never cease to exist. He is so interested in the welfare of our souls, He bought them with His own blood by dying on the cross for us so that if we simply choose to believe that truth, and it drives us to seek forgiveness, then once our bodies pass away, our souls will be with Him for eternity. Anyway, I was inspired by Erik to write this poem to hopefully encourage others. Erik is always more interested in getting to know the driver of those big rigs. Likewise, the Lord, Jesus is always more interested in the souls who inhabit these bodies we run around in. There’s more to the story, and it can be found in that Bible that sits in the motel nightstand or in your home or truck. But the best part isn’t written on the cover, because it’s what’s inside that counts!
IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS
By Trevor Hardwick
See that big ol’ diesel rig,
With pearly paint and chrome?
All the creature comforts,
Of a home away from home.
A rig like that we’d all agree,
Would cost a huge amount.
But as they say it’s what’s inside,
That ever really counts.
See that house up on the hill,
With the picket fence around?
A maple tree and tire swing,
I like the way that sounds.
But if it’s void of love inside,
It’s merely sticks and stones.
The family is the heart and soul,
That makes a house a home.
Now look at all those people,
Men and women young and old.
Folks of every shape and size,
With stories to be told.
All these mortal vessels,
With our purposes and goals.
Flesh and blood return to dust,
And what remains are souls.
So if your rig is broken down,
Your home’s in disrepair.
And your body’s having issues,
Well there’s hope amidst despair.
A wrench can make your rig run right,
A house needs wood and nails.
But when your body’s broken down,
The soul is what prevails.
Our souls were purchased with a price,
He paid on our account.
He doesn’t long for what we have,
It’s what’s inside that counts.