For We Are Guests

What right have we to plunder through earth’s wonderland; the eye

Though covetous by nature should regard earth’s fields and sky

As more than dripping eaves and sheaves whereby mankind is blessed

These are the floor and roof in God’s house and we are His guests

What right have we but this; to treat with utter courtesy

Each day-to-day as God extends His hospitality

This come-going commission is no coincidence

For we are guests, not owners of His faithful Providence

Then bend to share the burden of a fellow-traveler

And tend earth’s ample garden like a grateful visitor

This passing-through and much ado of what thought-want suggests

Sometimes causes us to forget that we are God’s house-guests

Ah, what a privilege to wander heaven’s foothill Halls; to see

Its walls, a panorama of the Artist’s Majesty

And perhaps we would all be happier in living’s quests

If we remembered God is earth’s House-Keeper, we, His guests

© Janet Martin

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein. Ps. 24:1