In the midst of our mist
When our vision is unclear
We are prone to act erratically,
Mostly out of fear.
Oft there are events
We can do nothing about
Like some happening in our past
That left us in doubt.
In the midst of our mist
When we battle the world
We attack both friend and foe,
We’re so disturbed.
We level accusations
As we hit out left and right,
Not even sure of the enemy
For the lack of light.
In the midst of our mist
When our nemesis is self,
We often blame everybody else
For our failing health.
Both spiritual and social,
For our mental and emotional,
Visibly shown in our expression
And in our physical.
In the midst of our mist
Like righteous Job of old
Who once was radiating warmth
Gradually becoming cold.
Throwing a pity party
For all who would attend
And engaging the eager reporters
From beginning to end.
In the midst of our mist
When friends become few
And not many are the persons
We thought we knew.
People who are hurting,
That is the “we” I mean,
When in the midst of our mist
Nothing is clearly seen.
Like some wounded animal
We are ready to lash out
And our once affirming tongue
Becomes a negative spout.
Quick to spread rumour
In the midst of our mist
And those with whom it is shared
Comprising a long list.
In the midst of our mist
Often empathy departs
And the twins, jealousy and envy
Occupy our hearts.
We share others’ sorrows
But their joys hurt us more
And invariably, as is our custom,
Grudge comes to the fore.
Our criticism is rife
Of another’s achievement
And we question its authenticity
With much resentment.
In the midst of our mist
When we are not seeing well
We need an understanding friend
That we can tell.
Someone who’s been there
And can identify with us
And who will help us to see clearer
In the midst of our fuss.
Someone who will absorb
The shock of our story
And not share it with another
For posterity.
Someone who appreciates
His time will come too
And what he does for someone
For him another will do.
And I don’t mean Jesus
Though he is our best friend,
I mean that someone he will use
To get us round the bend.
For Jesus uses people
In the midst of our mist
Who will come not to cast blame
But to assist.
There go I
But for the grace of God,
Let him that thinks he stands
Take heed lest he fall.
Stewart Russell © June 4, 2024
