Final candle

Burning the candle at both ends,

And on both sides of the clock.

I never slowed for anyone,

Never thought I'd stop.

I chased another dollar,

Another deal, another dream.

Now I'm wondering where the years

Slipped out in between.

I burned the candle way too long,

Till the flame was growing dim.

Thought the golden road would make me whole,

But it never filled me in.

I missed the laughter, missed the sunsets,

Missed the little things somehow.

Life kept waiting by the roadside—

I'm just seeing it now.

Missed a lot of birthdays,

Little League and Christmas Eve.

Always said I'd make it up,

There was more I had to achieve.

I kept running down that golden road,

Thinking riches made a man.

Never stopped to count the cost,

Or understand God's plan.

I burned the candle way too long,

Till the flame was growing dim.

Thought the golden road would make me whole,

But it never filled me in.

I missed the laughter, missed the sunsets,

Missed the little things somehow.

Life kept waiting by the roadside—

I'm just seeing it now.

These old hands have gathered treasures,

Most are gathering dust.

The only things that really last

Are love, forgiveness, faith, and trust.

If I could walk those miles again,

I'd hold my family near.

Trade a thousand overtime nights

For one more yesterday this year.

I burned the candle at both ends,

Till there was nothing left to hide.

Now I thank the Lord He never left,

Even when I lost my stride.

The golden road was never home,

Just a path I had to roam.

His light shines brighter than my own,

And now He's leading me back home.

No more burning both ends of the candle,

Or racing round the clock.

I've found peace in the life I’ve lived