Praying Mantis

Are all His creatures, bowing down in prayer

for the present moment –  by design?

Did He strike a chord – a balance

Within His creations and their relationship to time?

So much so, that they seem to know how to be themselves?

Why are we, even though created in His image,

So oft devoid of presence of mind – courage - heart

So oft not in this present moment

But instead like Lot’s wife – looking back- looking apart.

Or if not back - then looking forward

yearning for something more - like its owed to us

fantasizing about some imagined future

some utopia in the distance - an idea of "success."

So we struggle: So I struggle, too.

What intricate fantasies, I have created.

Unable to sit still in the moment

Impatient, never deferring or respecting male-headship.

See, I have paid the price – high and costly

For speaking always and speaking loudly.

Instead, I will make the mantis my mentor.

That as an image will remind me

To bow my head – put my hands in prayer

And for sound reasoning – keep my mind clear. 

To have the courage to put Him first – before me

So that – like a beacon - He will guide my attitude

In any direction – so that it’s like second nature

To consult Him – and walk in constant gratitude

Just like all His creations do – from sun up to sun down

Worship the Lord in their different fashions

Just by being perfectly themselves and serving Him

The only way they know how.

Praying Mantis, I will study how you pray.

Just like second nature – as God fashioned you that way

I will carry God's words in my heart

So that when I speak – only His words will come out. 

For S.B.

For unto whomsoever much is given,

of him shall be much required: 

and to whom men have committed much, 

of him they will ask the more.

Luke 12:48