Henceforth I worked no more alone despite
memories of bitterness, gall and slight.
My companions the saints are helping now.
Our coxswain sits facing us toward the bow.
With these friends I strive, prized fellowship won.
I am no more set against everyone
no more shocked at my own imperfections
no longer loathe to accept corrections.
The common rule of the Church willingness
to defer each to each with peace does bless.
The eighth step of humility is that
we reject the lure of the petty spat.
In godly souls the Holy Spirit works
to scrape off the pride that beneath still lurks.
Not thirsting for praise, nor feeling holy
training Christ’s body we transform slowly.
Fragile skiff buffeted by fearsome gales
bears on chilled scullers shivering betrayals.
Ignored, mocked, shunned yet somehow not sinking
salt on lips, light in eyes, our lives linking
the wind against us, straining at the oars
we struggle as one toward eternal shores.
Nor vying, nor pandering, onward sent
vast vistas opening, heavenward bent.
Courage, free soul, fear not to venture through
these worldly choppy seas with such a crew.
Away from violence a gentle course chart.
Against jealous currents strive loving heart.
Jettison anger, rage, malice, discord.
Hold fast love, peace, joy, your treasures on board.
Bail out bad habits for dear love of life.
Repair the breaches of splintering strife.
Douse flames of slander that would sink this boat.
Work together wisely and stay afloat.
Cheerfully accept the stranger customs
God’s stewards hand on until kingdom comes.
We Christians do freely what is endorsed
by Scripture through tradition Spirit sourced.
Christ ventured sad into Gethsemane
for joy set before him braved agony.
God’s Son suffered long your soul to redeem.
All children adopted, pull with the team.
