Sharing the plenty in 2020: from Proverbs 12:25 and 14:30, we are given some special words about attitude. Especially now, when “Staying at home” has changed all of us, and there is concern about how “normal life” will be going forward, these words from long before this moment: “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.” While we may not be able to change our circumstance, we can change our attitude. Let us live a life of thanksgiving to God for bringing us through, and for being trustworthy for His provision and guidance going forward. Let us be lights for others who may not have the truth that we know, and be a blessing to others around us who do not yet know the Source of our hope.
My poem, “Spring Afternoon”
Through the kaleidoscope of my office window
I catch the glimmer and stop-frame of spring.
Birds are pairing, rabbits chase, nest-building starts
And grey clouds withhold, for now, their blessing showers.
As buds swell, sprouts lengthen, and grass greens
I treasure rejuvenation, rebirth, visual vitality
And count it rich evidence of God’s promise
To bless the land and those who dwell within her.
Can’t we learn the benefits of peaceful pursuits
Of strolling the lawn, partnering, resourceful seeking
So that purposeful activity leads to productivity
And respect for each other pervades shared real estate?
I’m seeing no greed, no hurry, no stress, no deception
As each creature busily engages to finish its task
With creativity and diversity and singleness of purpose
Yet living harmoniously and gloriously in peaceful pursuits.
We’ve so much to learn from reflectively realizing
That reason and profit and competition and pride
Can lead to no better than second-class living
When compared to the picture I’m seeing today.
(from Encore: An Anthology–Stories and Poems.
Betty Whitaker Jackson 2018
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