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Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Oh, Fleeting This!


 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. 
What is your life? 
You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14


Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, 
take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. 
You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. 
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 
James 5:10-11 

Today's reflection is inspired in part by the book of James
and this morning's Daily Bread Devotion



Oh, fleeting This; how much we miss
If we are deaf and numb and blind
To He who lends what slips and wends
From mercy’s Hands to humankind

What wasted leap of wake and sleep
If we have tasted wonder’s bliss
With heart-doors barred, stone-cold and hard
Primed with a sword and traitor’s kiss

Man’s days and years like mist appears
Its measure beyond our control
What awful dread accosts the dead
Who disregard the Deathless Soul

What empty noise composes joys
Reliant on frail circumstance
What futile plain of grief and pain
If we scorn God and cling to chance

Oh fleeting This; how much we miss
Before full horror meets its mark
As love and grace withdraws its Face
And Light gives way to endless Dark

Dearly beloved, each life approved
By He who grants its sacred lease
Pray we revere Time’s fleeting Here
Before hope's day of grace will cease

© Janet Martin



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