Balancing the Books

by Gene Shelburne

Today’s a rare day in the history of this commission, Lord.

                        If the items on today’s agenda are approved, Lord, our city

                                    will have taken in almost ten times more money than we’ve spent.

                        Even the stingiest citizen will have to applaud us today.

                                                When we balance the books on today’s meeting, we’re solidly

                                                in the black!

 

Give us the wisdom and grace, Lord, to balance all our books in

                                    such a positive way.

                        May our soft words of encouragement and thankfulness

                                    outnumber the angry and harsh ones we speak at least

                                    tenfold.

                        May the things we do to help our loved ones and neighbors            

                                    always outweigh any selfish and spiteful acts we may stoop to.

On the books of our lives, teach us, Lord,         

                        to let forgiveness be greater than our resentments,

                                    to let contentment exceed our desires,

                                                to be more humble than arrogant,

                                                            to love far more than we rankle.

On the profit and loss report on our relationships, Lord, help us

                        always to stay in the black.

 

Thank You, Lord, for a day in these chambers when the books

                        balance in our favor.          Through Your Son,

                                                                                                Who cancelled all our debts.

                                                                                                Amen.