Overall Estimates (Sun Tzu 1:15) (Luke 14:25-33)

An abacus of sorts was used to count,
Ahead of time, upon the temple mount
The factors five, plus seven as before,
All based on info found, then checked some more.

If one counts up and factors all things in,
Another ‘sort of’ does, but packs it in,
A third does nothing – flies by seat of pants,
The third will lose for sure – leaves all to chance.

The more one calculates quite thoroughly,
The better he’ll make out – that’s clear to see;
The better work is done before he leaves,
The better chance he’ll taste the victory.

But if the factors favor victory,
Then adding up brings forth a certainty
That he will win – morale will rise throughout,
And help the man bring victory about.

When added factors spell out doom and gloom,
The war is lost before he leaves the room;
On hockey ice, in boardroom, or in war,
An attitude of loss goes out before –

The leader ever leaves his abacus,
Has time this dour perspective to discuss;
For all will know – it’s written on his frame –
“We’ve won”; “We’ve lost” – those looks are not the same.

Of course, mistakes can easily be made,
And when on errors careful plans are laid,
Disaster will prevail (or win is sweet);
But when you must, before the foe you meet.

When shallow is the thought that’s given to war,
The gain by calculation done before
Is little; but when deep, far-reaching thought,
By calculating, victory is wrought.

The temple was the context for the count
For art of war is art, not just amount
Of factors added up on abacus;
For spiritual is life for all of us.

Now Jesus noted God behaved like that –
Like building house, or army when attacked –
“How does it seem when all is added up?
Will I succeed? Complete? Is this enough?”

He answered “Yes”, but noted “High the cost –
Relationships appear as hate; and loss
Of life itself, with loss of everything,
For those who join me – victory to bring”

The only question sitting on our plate –
Will I join in and help facilitate
His end result? – we win – what can compare
To victory – assured? So yes, I’m there.

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