If you have any experience with sheep, you know that it does not work well to chase them.

The heavens delcare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handiwork

Beside the Still Waters Vol. 26, Issue 3

2… night after night they reveal knowledge.

3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is hard for them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the end of the world.
5 In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and
makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived at its warmth.
7 The Law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The Satutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right;
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant;
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous…
…11 By them your servant is warned’
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
May they not rule over me
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words..
…and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Like most of us, when I took my inventory…, I found both “good” and “bad” characteristics. For example, I’m pushy. I’m very determined to get things done.

But this determination can come at the expense of relating to people with real sensitivity. When you’re determined, you tend to move quickly. That can cause other people to stumble.

Instructions to the Cook
A Zen Master’s Lessons in Living a Life that Matters

The Second Course
Recipes for Learning p. 45
Bernard Glassman & Rich Fields

…establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

For I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrow like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford

What is this thing we know of as life
With it’s happiness, sorrow, labor and strife?
Is it, perhaps, a beautiful song
With chords blending in for each right or wrong?
Or is it a part of a wonderful plan
To make this earth by the labor of man
A place to return when our day’s work is through
Where loved ones are waiting for me and for you?

I like to believe in my own humble way,
As I come home from work at the end of each day,
And I’m weary and tired and worried and worn
From the hurry and bustle since early that morn,
When loved ones are waiting to welcome me there
With loving affection to banish my care,
That each day is symbolic of life and it’s labors
With nations and families and cities and neighbors
Each taking their part of the labor and sorrow
Preparing this earth as a home for the morrow.

And when I look upon children at play
I think of the toiler starting the day
Confident, vigorous, ready for aught
That the duties of that day will bring to his lot.
Then, when passing years make us weak and forlorn’
Tis the toiler returning with vigor out ‘warn,
And we’re glad he is free from the worry and strain
To rest in the heart of his family again.
So let us not grieve when their life’s work is done
and we must remain until our course is run,
But think of the beautiful peace and protection
While waiting the call to the great resurrection;
And let’s let our life work build up as a prayer
That when we go, our loved ones will welcome us there.

Did you e’er in a meadow stroll
And thrill with sheer delight,
And pause on every grassy knoll
And marvel at the sight?

Did you e’er in the woodland roam
Among the stately trees,
Where birds and squirrels make their home
And move about with ease?

And if perchance the time is Spring
Wildflowers in profusion
Lift up their heads as if to sing
Of life without confusion.

Did you e’er in a garden walk
Or sit and gaze for hours,
And wonder why each different stalk
Brings forth different flowers?

Did you e’er on a mountain climb
With bold sophistication
And find stark beauty too sublime
For your imagination?

Or did you in the desert stand
With mesquite and sages
And realized this waste and sand
Has endured for ages?

Now stand beneath the stars at night;
Try to read their story,
Each shining in it’s place so bright
Magnifying glory.

If you these mysteries will seek
Of grass and trees and flowers,
Of birds and bees and mountain peak
And sun and wind and showers,

Of waters deep and desert sand,
Of passion, fear and love,
I know that you will understand
There is a God above.

David Williams

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

I wait for the lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.