A chilling truth one evening was told
about a Pentecostal service, power so bold
after the church was locked, everyone was gone
the preacher had to go back, he went alone

When he stepped through the doors he was amazed to see
an angel, slowly stepping among the pews and seats
stopping and standing where each person had sat
reached down, picked up something, placing it in a sack

Slowly stepping to the next seat, retrieving what only he could see
sadly, reluctantly going by each and every seat
one by one this action did repeat
as if by some untold reason, something each person did leave

The preacher was sore amazed at such a sight
something so awesome, he'd never forget that night
fighting the tremors and deathly chills
of weak human frailty, emotions over spilled

Studying careful as the scene before him ensued
uncomprehending a task so great that an angel was used
his throat dry, his soul aching, his spirit seeking
his body unable to move, his muscles aching

Unable to speak for his voice was gone
desperately desiring to learn of the chore
finally regaining the ability to speak after so long
spoke quietly, "Sir, what in the bag do you store?"

The angel never broke his stance
never looking his way, for even a glance
but responded in voice so sad and low
"I came back as I do after every service you know

To retrieve and return to Him Who so freely sent
all the blessings not received, but left on the seat unspent"
the preacher stood there unbelieving what he'd just heard
an angel from heaven using human language verb

The impact of the realization of what each of us leave
behind in each service, rejected, unwanted, Gods' spirit we grieve
living so beneath our privilege, of Kings' heritage
skeletons, hungry, drunk on sins beverage

The angel finished his task, retrieving all blessings that'd been left
by souls unfulfilled, needs unmet, hearts unchanged, willingly bereft
going on in our mindless ways filled with that cancer
never realizing one day for all that - we will answer

It behooves each of us with deathly chill
to seek His wisdom, His mercy, His will
to reap His loving and heavenly bequeath
not leave them unwanted on the seats

Were we to glean some of His goodness so deep
even then we could see of only a few
of the goodness and blessings we beweep
then leave them unrealized on the pew

Note:

This was told as a true story.  I learned of this story years ago and the body of it stuck with me.  I've attempted to capture it in what little poetic prose I possess (albet it small . . .).

I do not remember any details other than I think it was in Mississippi, or at least one of the Southern states.  Please, if you have knowledge of this incident, I would appreciate very much for you contact me with the contact button link provided below and share the details.