Good Measure, Pressed Down

 ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

 ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

 ‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’ Luke 6:27-38

Good Measure, Pressed Down - For Our Anniversary

One walked down the aisle, the other waiting

love committed, confirmed and witnessed

words read and said, songs were sung

the work of loving had just begun.

One fell, the other reached and lifted up

tears flowed and were wiped away

laughter and songs revolving always

the sacrifice in hard times a great gift.

The abundance of giving came in patience

forgiving, renewing, remaking, reweaving

seeking solutions on dark dead end streets

heads together past midnight to find home.

This love thing is without words and yet living

growing, never silent, always listening close

seeking ways to heal, dance and celebrate

always tender, vulnerable and open wide.

One walks slower, the other waits again

looking at the changing light and the flowers

taking in the pleasant and the harsh together

leaning back and laughing with delight.