As You Go Through Life

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Proverbs 1:20-33 and Psalm 19 CLASSIC POEM: As You Go Through Life Ella Wheeler Wilcox Don’t look for the flaws as you go through life; And even when you find them, It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind, And look for the virtue behind them; For the cloudiest night has a hint of light Somewhere in its shadows hiding: It’s better by far to hunt for a star, Than the spots on the sun abiding. The current of life runs ever away To the bosom of God’s great ocean. Don’t set your force ‘gainst the river’s course, And think to alter its motion. Don’t waste a curse on the universe, Remember, it lived before you: Don’t butt at the storm with your puny form, But bend and let it go o’er you. The world will never adjust itself To suit your whims to the letter, Some things must go wrong, your whole life long, And the sooner you know it the better. It is folly to fight with the Infinite, And go under at last in the wrestle, The wiser man shapes into God’s plan, As water shapes into a vessel. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: This Wonderful Opportunity Cathy Song SNIPPET: May all beings, seen and unseen, be well, happy, and peaceful, including ourselves. May there be peace in the world, peace in our hearts, peace in our minds. May we use this wonderful opportunity of  human life to awaken. May we be grateful for wisdom and compassion, this infinite boundlessness that surrounds us, waiting to be used by us, to open our hearts and minds so that we may see things as they truly are, … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]