poetry: seeing good when it comes
Seeing Good When It Comes
Lord, may I have the grace to see good,
When it comes in its
many forms and occasions.
But to recognize it
Would only be possible if space
were allowed in one’s life
for it to be seen when it arrived,
like setting an extra chair at the table for an unexpected guest.
Good often finds no place to rest its head
for lack of ease, a welcoming spirit and margin.
Angels arrive unawares, yet will not coerce the recipient
And too often find him not at home.
The good news has come resolutely and so clearly
In the form of an intentionally-cooked,
double batch of dinner
Brought to my door.
Lord, let me be home to receive the good when it comes.
Let me not rush around,
filling every moment with self-sated effort,
which thinks that sheer activity and being organized
bring meaning.
Most good that comes
Was neither imagined nor prayed for,
Nor could be.
It comes at the delight of the giver,
And is by nature unexpected and pure.
Proper response to good
Can only be gratitude.
Obligation to reciprocate spoils everything,
Turning good to something less sacred,
Nullifying spirit.
Prh Dec. 29th, 2001, Maui; the continued wake of losing our Anne
All donations go directly to Pat & Sarah’s work of welcoming presence, spiritual friendship, pastoral care, and stewardship of land; also donations support Pat’s writings. (suggested: $20-$40/mo)
Subscribe to writing posts on home page (bottom).
To donate, go to ‘support’ page here:
