the two handed approach

(On the one hand…, On the other…)

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Oh God, I feel embarrassed about us,

the way we are so programmed, so to speak,

the way we are in charge of Earth, though dust.

I feel two kinds of shame: So strong! So weak!

And now I think a bit more (while in love),

I’m being led by you to understand,

stand under your authority above

what you have put me over, as you planned!

Some shame can come from immaturity

that’s right and proper, for that’s how all growth

must happen on this Earth, where limits be.

But some’s from wasting, slackness, even both.

And forward way that’s good today, for all

is “truth to tell” - to think! to say! as small,

as well as big, let human mind not fall

in one rut or the other. But stand tall*.

And be the little toddler that I am!

Both showing off my skills (and prowess too);

and laughing at myself as a “big man”

who’s “free*”, but glad to be a person who

is growing in a family who loves,

so here I need to stand under my Dad 

& Mum, and learn from hand that doesn’t shove

so much as lead and draw me on a tad…

I own my shame, then name the kind I see.

Then in the presence of the God of all,

I laugh, and smile, repent, forgiven be!

Move on, both kneeling down, AND standing tall.

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Footnotes

l* - “Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame. Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.” (Proverbs 3:5, 23-27 GNBUK)

e* - my three year old grandson sometimes talks of his father and grandfathers as each being “a big man” compared to himself as much smaller, but in the next breath he will talk of himself as so much bigger and more grown up than the babies around him, because now he is a “big man” who’s “free*”

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