Seesaw Virtues

Lord, keep us humble, but proud.

Yet not too proud that we have to call our name out loud.

Make us weak, but still strong.

Lead us to lean on you and not wait too long.

Lord, help us to care for others, but not lose "us".

To like what others have, but not be envious.

To be mindful, but not jealous

To be loving, but not overzealous.

Lord, help us to be gentle, but still firm.

To bend to other’s wills, but to have our own mind.

To be a refuge for others in a storm.

To have self enough to not become a lowly worm.

Lord, help us to give to others but not be a pushover.

To know the time to say “no” and the time to say “yes.”

To be kind and generous, but when needed to take over.

At all times to display graciousness and goodness.

Lord, help us to seek peace in our life.

To walk beside others, with little strife.

But still for our principles to stand.

Still always be willing to lend a hand.

Lord, grant us patience and self-control.

To always be willing to comfort and console.

Lead us for you to be passionate.

To make ourselves lesser and others great.

Give us the virtue of trust.

To practice our faith so it has no rust.

To seek fairness in all of our dealings,

To be thoughtful and not overcome with our feelings.

Lord, it is balance we need most in our lives.

A paradox of living with others and living alone.

To lean on you when our grip gives.

To remember that for our faults you already atone.

(A Sabbath Poem on Galatians 5:22-26)