You asked for my hands that you might use them for your purpose,
I gave them for a moment but then withdrew them for the work was hard.
You asked for my mouth to speak out against injustice,
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes to see the pain of others,
I closed them for I did not want to see.
You asked for my life that you might work through me,
I gave you only a small part that I might not get too involved
You asked me to go the extra mile,
To give the extra pound,
To offer the other cheek,
I took short cuts,
I gave only loose change,
I thought only of myself.
Lord forgive my calculated efforts to serve you only when it is convenient for me to do so, only at those times when I want to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so, and only with those who make it easy to do so
Send me out as your servant,
Unselfish, self giving, sacrificial
By your Holy Spirit,
Transform my words into actions of love. Amen
Joe Seremane, South Africa
4 comments:
Very powerful, especially considering the source.
It's so easy to wonder why 'those people there' don't stand up and make the necessary changes, disregarding the terrible cost we expect of them, while 'we people here' aren't willing to inconvenience ourselves for the comparably easier work in our own neighbourhood.
A new note to pin under my 'Your calendar never lies' heading on the bulletin board.
Thank you, Trevor.
Lois Gory
Hi Lois - thanks for visiting Simplicity Blog - hope you are keeping well.
I visited South Africa for a month 7 years ago - an amazing place. I loved it.
There is of course still much to do but progress is being made against all the odds when we think just 20 years ago.
Best
Trevor
Trevor,
Thanks for the post. My youngest attended his first reconciliation yesterday. I hold out hope that our higher power will continue to educate us, provide for us, and teach us valuable lessons through each other.
When I consider my friends (recently unemployed), many seniors that have lost half their savings for retirement in the current market, and lack of good quality leadership in American corporations, I consistently look to higher ground, or higher purpose if you will.
I believe this period is a washing out. Another opportunity for humanity to learn from its failures and consider our faith in daily life, even the workplace.
As I read your post, the prayer if you will, I considered two short lines that come to mind.
Lord...I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
Lord...forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Congratulations on raising more pounds for the run (charity), we hold out hope through you as well.
Hi Scott – Great news of your Son.
Maybe this is a period of spiritual cleansing as you suggest.
The Bible of course is full of the most beautiful words and terrific wisdom. Jesus was clearly the greatest ever management Guru!!!
This extract is very topical don’t you think?
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19)
Moving back to more earthy matters and our Marathon efforts. We have other donations that are not shown online from people who prefer to pay up front with cash and don’t use computers. It is great to see the total donation figure going up – the word is full of generous people. We have until 25th April to hit our target of £3000 and I am confident we will reach it.
Best my friend!
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