“My 'Better' Prayer”  (Phi. 3:12-14)

“You do not have to be” the speaker said,
“Much better than the other, ’fore your dead;
But rather, it’s important now to be
Much better than you were” – I’ve come to see –

The other route’s a trap if Spiritual
Is aspect of your quest, for if you’re full
And running over, celebrate the past
Then take another step – until at last –

You step across that threshold ending time
For you as human being – for its fine
To make that final journey (it can’t be
That we live life on earth eternally).

We can, of course, in terms of qualities
Assented to, but living here as free
Is not “Without restrictions” – it’s a lie,
A fairy tale, and I will tell you why –

“Serenity” regarding what won’t change
Is “freedom in our limits” – it’s a range;
Within which we can live within our means,
Which often is much larger than it seems.

Then “courage” speaks of limits far too big,
Or small, as messed within, without – to rig
Things up as best one can, then seek to be
The person God invented – goodness – “Me!”

So what the heck, I look at yesterday,
Give thanks for all Your blessings on our way –
Fulfilling what was possible within
This envelope of time we each are in.

Lord, as we enter in this brand-new day,
With time rolled back an hour, so our way
Has better light for working – winter months
Are now upon us – soon we’re in the dumps.

So, yes – it all seems strange, but stranger yet
Are days ahead, for You on life have bet;
We enter in Your hope for “Project earth”,
Fulfilling life for us since second birth.

Lord, as I turn to start this brand-new day,
I pray for folks who’ve somehow lost their way;
Folks who in past brought triumph when they moved
To action, now are sidelined, “Useless” viewed.

They’re not; but “shunning ways” somehow coerce
Us into line, complying with their worst;
Move good to better; better to the best,
This day for all, ’till sunset brings us rest.

Thanks Lord for this.

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