Re- or Con-

I noticed when I used both words today,
Restraint, constraint, are similar they say;
But locus of the power of control
Is in or out of me –  speaks to its role.

For when constrained, I’m stopped here in my tracks
By power or blockage I cannot get past;
The central aspect – it’s outside of me
And when released, that’s when I will be free.

Restraint is much the same, I cannot act,
But here it comes from me, and that’s a fact;
That makes a difference – now it’s up to me,
Release gives rise to words, or act we see.

Constraint is like a dog out on a leash,
Which yaps and tugs, begs owner for release;
Restraint is something else – more peace within;
A sense of inner timing lets it win.

When operating from my base on land,
Constraint described my days; on other hand,
Now from this viewpoint here with Christ on high,
Restraint’s the game that’s new – and here is why –

If we’re to sally forth, it’s at His Word;
Until the moment comes when it is heard,
We dare not speak or act – how could it be
That we speak out or act expressing “me”.

That’s how I lived my life when based on land;
It’s there for me to do, but I can’t stand
That crazy life of silliness and strife;
Much better acts and words expressing Life.

To dance with Him – the Universal King;
To boogie with His timing, life to bring
In wisdom of His ways, with Spirit guide;
The challenge to keep up, not run and hide.

For His desire is “Seek and save the lost”
When we join Him, He says, “Forget the cost –
For each and every one is precious here,
I have My ways, and those I will make clear.

“I’ll give resource and power when you call,
But just for this; I give them lest you fall;
I’ll have success in ways you cannot see
Most often, in your case, you’ll plant some seed.

“But planting seed takes preparation time,
To plow the land; dig deep; clear weeds not Mine;
But when that’s done, crops geometric are,
With thirty, sixty, hundred-fold – by Gar.”

As God matures us up and shows the way,
He gives us tasks to do and words to say;
He bids us keep our hearts attuned to Him,
For in this well-paced life, He’s sure to win.

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