Poetry

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I used to think we noticed
The spots on other’s wall.
But to tell the truth we notice
The spots about us all.

The spots are the mistakes we make
That may be very small.
Often we forget to look
Where there aren’t spots at all.

Looking for the problems
An error or mistake
Will always lead to great despair
And cause my heart to break.

We are to strive for excellence
'Tis true God’s people must.
But in His word remember,
That He knows we are but dust.

We are to strive to enter
Into his blessed rest
Through faith in His great faithfulness
Though we may fail a test

We never will be “good enough”
For some we want to please.
Demands are always made of us
That take away our peace.

“Will I do it right this time?”
“Will you love me still?”
“Will you judge me when I fall?”
“Will I your wish fulfill?”

I really want to please you
But all that I am not,
Seems to draw attention
That my wall has one small spot.

I wonder if the Lord is keeping
A paintbrush just for me
To cover all those ugly spots
So no one else can see.

“But Lord,” I say so often,
They point out all my faults;
Make me feel condemned; dismayed
And I am so distraught.”

The Lord expects our very best
And others want perfection;
Demanding more of their own selves
Lest they might risk rejection.

Then they will impose demands
Which became part of their lives.
They have not come into His rest
Where they won’t have to strive.

Be patient with each other;
Understanding; loving, kind
Look past the spots on every wall
Lest Satan keep you blind.

Too often we criticize the spots on everyone else’s wall and ignore our own.
Amen
Diane Sample

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