First Things First

by J. Randal Matheny

Today I'll put the first things first
That move me toward the goal,
And sing those virtues well rehearsed
By yearnings in my soul.

The urgent tasks and minor chores
I choose to lay aside,
To enter open, yawning doors
Not yet explored, untried.

I'll look beyond the moot details
To feel a neighbor's need;
To measure faults by sliding scales,
The thought behind the deed;

Amid the downward rush of days,
To hold aloft an hour;
In wars of words to nock a praise
That wins the friendly tow'r.

No greater love has man expressed,
Than give his life with joy
And serve, by selfless zeal possessed,
In Jesus' kind employ.

Copyright © 2002 by J. Randal Matheny

This was posted today on the Positive Poetry list.

-- Randal in Brazil (randal@onebox.com), February 13, 2002

Answers

Randal,

Thanks for posting that. I really have to struggle sometimes to keep my priorities straight...the little things are always fighting for my attention. I need to always keep in mind who we're really working for. :)

-- Lenette in OR (kigervixen@webtv.net), February 13, 2002.

Randall, you are too cool!

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), February 13, 2002.

Lesley, first time I've been called cool. (I'll have to tell my teens that.) Thanks to you and Lenette for the feedback. I hope it was helpful to you.

-- Randal in Brazil (randal@onebox.com), February 14, 2002.