The Conversation

This poem was originally published in May, 2019.
The thoughts are still necessary to ponder.

Us:
We have our own agenda, Lord.
It’s very plain to see.
You can change it anytime.
You can do it instantly.

We think that our to-do list,
Is the most important thing.
You possess the veto power,
For You are Lord and King.

We fret because there are things not done.
We worry we’re behind.
Could we have another hour,
If You wouldn’t mind?

We planned our day so well, Lord.
We marked down every minute.
The problem is that we forgot
To put You firmly in it.

We make our plans; we make our lists.
Expecting all the while,
That You will simply bless it.
That You’ll look down and smile.

Minutes are so precious, Lord.
We have none to spare.
Help us to complete our tasks.
Show us that You care.

Wait! Another detour?
We’ll never finish now!
If we could go from A-Z.
If You just show us how.

This can’t be what You had in mind.
We have things that must get done.

God:
Child, you’re worried about too many things.
You have to please just One.

Remember that person you called today?
The one whose heart was sad?
Remember the prayer you said with her?
The one that made her glad?

Remember that meal you made today?
To the one who was so worn?
Did you know she’s less discouraged?
Did you know she’s less forlorn?

Remember the text you sent her?
Just to let her know you’re there?
Remember the call you made today?
Just to show you cared?

Remember the minutes you listened?
When other things called to you?
Remember the burden you lifted?
When you carried her burden, too?

You thought that nothing got finished.
You thought that nothing got done.
It’s your list that went by the wayside.
My list’s the important one.

My list considered so many.
Things you never had known.
Things you thought were a detour,
Things that caused you to groan.

The detours are so important.
They are not intrusions, you see.
For when you attend to the detours,
You are doing it all for Me.

Lay your list on the table.
I will decide what gets done.
All the things you do in My name.
Just look and see you’ve begun.

It is I who determines the finish.
It is I who determines the need.
It is I who will use you to help them.
It is I who gives you the Seed.

You plant the Seed with your kindness.
You tend to it with your care.
You water it with My Word each day.
I’ll make it grow everywhere.

Enjoy the detours I send you.
Enjoy the new path you’re on.
Your blessing will last and linger.
Long after your presence has gone.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)