Chris van der Westhuizen

In the travels of life, as we tread,
A lesson to remember, words to be said:
"Never burn your bridges," a wise voice cries,
For bridges unite, and time mends the ties.

Family, the foundation, where love finds its home,
Ties that bind, in their embrace we roam.
Through trials and triumphs, they stand by our side,
A refuge of solace, where we can confide.

Friends, the treasures we gather along the way,
With laughter and shared moments, they brighten our day.
Through thick and thin, their support unwavering,
Together we conquer, a bond forever engraving.

Work, where ambitions soar and dreams take flight,
A place of purpose, where we strive with all our might.
In diligence and passion, we build our career,
Finding fulfillment, our purpose becoming clear.

Yet above all stands the Lord of grace,
Who calls each heart to seek His face.
He warns the proud, but lifts the meek-
His truth is life, for all who seek.

So remember these words, let them resonate,
In every encounter, in each twist of fate.
Family, friends, work, and God in your view -
Build bridges of love, that’s what we’re called to do.

                              Chris M. v/d Westhuizen '2023

Moet Nooit Jou Brûe Verbrand Nie

Op die paaie van die lewe, waardeur ons gaan,
leer ons lesse wat vir altyd sal staan.
’n Wyse stem sê: “Moet nooit jou brûe verbrand,”
want brûe verbind, en tyd herstel die band.

Familie, die fondament waar liefde woon,
in hul omhelsing vind ons rus en toon.
Hulle staan vas deur elke seer en stryd,
’n skuilplek van troos en innigheid.

Vriende, die skatte wat langs jou bly,
hul lag en herinnering dra jou vry.
Hulle bly getrou, ongeag die tyd,
’n band van waarde, van egtheid en lyd.

Werk, waar drome vlieg en ywer groei,
’n plek van doel, waar ons met moed kan bloei.
Met toewyding en passie bou ons ons baan,
en vind ons roeping - dis duidelik verstaan.

God - bo alles staan die Heer vol genade,
wat elke hart roep in liefde en waarheid.
Hy waarsku die trotses, maar verhef die sag,
Sy Woord bring lewe en ewige krag.

So onthou dié woorde, laat dit jou lei,
in keuses, in seisoene van vreugde of lyd.
Met familie, vriende, werk - en God as jou oog - 
Bou brûe van liefde - dis waartoe jy jouself voeg.

                              Chris M. v/d Westhuizen '2023 (Vertaal vanaf Engels)