Living Psalm

Be a Living Psalm 

It matters not. 

The dialogue, the arguments

are not worth

the air you expend.

Rather, pick up the empty

beer bottle and rumpled

week old newspaper

from the sidewalk.

Stop, for just that moment

as you slice the peach

with a serrated knife.

Two drops of juice.

Look into the watery eyes

of the homeless man;

they may or may not

 be vacant.

Hold the hand of your partner

of fifty years, smile

at the faint whistle of air

through his nostrils.

Be patient with your impatience

with your aged Mother; 

know she, too, hates

you at times.

Lift your eyes to the ballet

of eagle and wind, a wind

that can sometimes send

roof tiles and tree limbs flying.

Slice the radish paper-thin,

spread it fan-like around

the white plate. Bless the bread

before you eat it.

Know that life shakes herself

awake each day, that random

pieces fall into your lap.

Your job is to hold praise

and lament with equal regard.

Your job is to be a living psalm.

Jennifer (Jinks) Hoffmann

SDI Spiritual Directors International

I am a spiritual director with offices in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI.  If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction to discuss being a "living psalm," I can be reached at: 920.7933530.