Psalm 24
a song of in-between
What do we do on an in-between
Day? How might we please
You, Lord, on this kind of day?
If we do small things—speak
More softly and with civility
To those we know and those
Whom we encounter;
If we see the grey wash of
Sky and appreciate that it
Is not a sky of harsher conflict;
If we enjoy the colors, textures
That we have (even awash) and
Simple meals within our means
To have three times—post-dawn,
At midday, and again in twilight;
If we choose to look at harmony
And listen to the view—if
We accomplish these diminutive
Tasks, maybe without thinking,
Might we still please you? We
Do hope so and so we pledge,
Even if all around us is
An indifferent age
clcouch123 
January 26, 2016 at 9:30 pm
For those of us who try, we do so try to please Him. Eloquently put, “An indifferent age.” It’s sad but true. What I’ve noticed is that there is a lot of excess everywhere. Excess material items, excess means of eating,living and traveling. Where’s the modesty? Not to say that treating yourself is bad every once and awhile, everyone likes a good treat now and then but sometimes it’s nice to appreciate the small things, like you wrote, such as having the opportunity to eat 3 meals a day and to experience weather.
January 27, 2016 at 7:27 pm
Treating ourselves now and then is fine. You’re certainly right about that. But you’re also right about excess. How many billions run through our entertainment industries of sports plus film and television? Again, not to say that these are bad. But how many mountains of money are enough? For the few who gain the most in our companies–how much profit is enough? Modesty. That’s a great word to apply. Where is it? Good question! Thanks for “Eloquently.” That’s my treat!
January 28, 2016 at 5:17 am
I may have to extend my vocabulary because I think I’ve mentioned that your work is ‘eloquent’ so many times already! I’ll look up other words that will better describe your talent 🙂
January 26, 2016 at 10:30 pm
I think we can only do our best to please God in any small way. If we use the talents and the body He provided us that is good. Some days it is hard to do anything I get that. But I always remind myself of Milton’s poem “On his Blindness.” I think I have told you before:
WHEN I consider how my light is spent
E’re half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide,
Lodg’d with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present 5
My true account, least he returning chide,
Doth God exact day-labour, light deny’d,
I fondly ask; But patience to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts, who best 10
Bear his milde yoak, they serve him best, his State
Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’re Land and Ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and waite.
The important part is that God doesn’t need mans work or gifts. “Who best / bear his milde yoke, they serve him best.” God has many people/beings doing his work without rest and those who can do nothing but wait for him “they also serve who only stand and Waite.”
Thanks
January 27, 2016 at 7:33 pm
It’s an extraordinary poem. There’s a painting (I don’t know by whom) of Milton dictating to his daughters. Milton’s face leans into shadow, and everyone looks sad. I appreciate your citing the “milde yoke” of Christ. Seems strange maybe to think of a yoke as mild. But with God as our support, we can bear the yoke. We can bear anything. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and, as always, for your response, overall.
January 28, 2016 at 3:50 am
Oh wow. Your lovely intricately done poem were made by simple words, but your meaning and your construction of those words gave it power and adeptness.
Your words, as always, speak truth. Humanly truth that opens my eyes. Thank you for coming up with a moving poem, Christopher.
January 28, 2016 at 4:01 am
Well, thank you for sharing such impressive words for the work. You keep me going!
January 28, 2016 at 5:15 am
You should. We’ll miss you if you stop. 🙂