SIMPLE

To be a simple soul, with simple taste,

To love frugality while hating waste,

To love a lot, but require a lot less.

Is to make a life that will always bless,

A timely space on life’s path of haste.

 

The simple soul does not bespeak,

A simple-minded blinded freak.

The simple mind is dead to decisions,

The simple soul is one of precisions,

Pursuing the best, in a picture that’s bleak.

 

The simple soul, whose demands are few,

Isn’t charmed by the magic words “modern” and “new.”

It’s the timeless values, centuries old and holding,

Bright and fresh, clear and never molding

That interest him and truly satisfy too.

 

The simple is convenient, complete, and free.

The simple is open for all looking to see.

The simple is permanent, that is, nearly so,

And the simple is now and always, for me.  

– eab,  6/15/75

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Temple Talk

He went into the temple

Where you’d think one could look up.

But his attitude was humble,

He saw “dregs” in his cup.

 

He asked God for mercy;

He beat upon his chest,

Called himself a sinner

(Not better than the rest).

 

He cast his eyes downward,

They sought the lowly ground.

But God, who measures all things:

The simple, the profound,

 

Liked his honest spirit,

Heard his call and cry,

Knew he meant his temple-talk,

Knew it more than “humble pie,”

 

And justified his soul;

He went back to his own place,

With a calm in his heart,

And heaven’s smile upon his face.

 

Friend, the next time you go to meeting,

The next time you’re in church

Avoid petty piousness,

Avoid the highest perch.

 

Look at God, worship Him,

And see yourself contrasted,

As this man of old did. 

His grace has ever lasted.            – eab, 5/2000

 

Written while Associate Professor Bible at Hobe Sound Bible College, Florida

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