Though I do not aspire
to offer blanket forgiveness
to vigilantes who nail
the hands and feet
of my naked body
to an old splintery cross
to hang on until I die
for all of creation to see.
I would, however, like
to not take issue with my
wife
when she shows me
how she loads a dishwasher.
I would like to not be defensive
when my boss reprimands
me
with co-workers within earshot.
I would even go for not
getting angry
when an impatient motorist
blasts his horn from behind
and then as he pulls around
gives me a one-finger salute.
I'm not Jesus Christ,
though when it is time to
enter Glory
I will be like Him,
having availed myself longterm
to the incessant hammer
and chisel
of the Holy Spirit inside
me.
Becoming the unoffendable
man
will require my pride forest
to be chopped down
into kindling.
Becoming the unoffendable
man
will require my sea of insecurity
to be drained like a swamp
that obstructs a developer's
construction plans.
Becoming the unoffendable
man
will require my faith in
God
to grow to much more
than a mere mustard seed.
Becoming the unoffendable
man
will require me to remember
God gave me two ears
and but one mouth,
so as to listen before I
speak.
And finally,
becoming the unoffendable
man
will require that I, like
my Lord,
remember above all else,
when unjustifiably accused,
in God's plan
joy always follows suffering,
so grace and compassion
may forever rule the day.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Colossians 3:13
1 Peter 4:14 |
