Water Walking [Module #49] (Mark 6:48)

In work I do with pushing vehicles,
Out of each ditch they’re in, there’s tentacles
Which must be watched lest I get suckered in
To ditch with them – where problems would begin.

Here Jesus has solution for this fix –
“Let people live, and thrash there in the ditch,
Until such time as they decide to act;
Then mosey over – have a little chat.”

My problem is with gift-mix which is mine,
I can’t walk by if they’re not doing fine;
He says, “Okay – just give an ‘option slip’,
On which it notes that ‘help’ must pass their lips.

Though they slow headway make quite painfully,
Predicament to you is plain to see,
You need not live that way, nor stop to be
With them – just do your work and let them see –

There is another way of doing life;
Just model it –  a life devoid of strife
Like theirs – just show one need not live that way,
And if they ask, perhaps you’ll show the way.

“But they must ask, as you must ask as well,
When you’re in need of help – don’t ever tell
Them how to live, unless they indicate
Their openness that you participate.

“When hardened hearts meet headlong circumstance,
You on the waters walk, and come by chance,
To scene where they are rowing ’gainst the wind –
Just walk on by, released from fix they’re in.

“They are allowed to own their own approach;
They need not feel the weight of your reproach;
They need to feel a sense of ownership,
And choose the way they wish to do their trip”.

But what if, gift wise, I can see ahead,
And realize, that way, they’ll soon be dead?
Do I not issue warnings? Else why see,
If in the end it only bothers me?

“Design some kind of coupon – word or slip –
To say that they can ask if they see fit;
At which point you’ll discuss how best to help,
But they must ask, not belly-ache and yelp.

“The path laid out for you across the sea,
Is on the water, walking faithfully;
Don’t take from folk responsibility
For their own lives and learning – they are free.

“Of course your stories, poems, which you post,
Can lay it out for everyone, but most
Of all your acted life – your walking free,
Has impact when your freedom’s what they see.

“So change your way of living, Stu, today;
Step out and water-walk the faith-full way;
Let go of helping others as response
To what you see – take note – don’t act at once –

“But stop and ask, ‘How could I act as Cree?
Not scooping up responsibility,
But walking with them in community,
And being there when trouble’s what they see’.

“Till folks discern their need for body-life,
It slows them down as they row through their night
Against the wind – you need not live that way –
Step out in faith, and walk across the waves.”

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