The New Math

Count it all joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 2-4


In pondering my challenges,
the mountains seem to peak...
more lofty as I think on them
and consequently fail to seek
the source of all contentment;
counting more of the ragged edges
than the footholds available for my feet
as I try to climb the mountains unassisted;
not succeeding, yet counting all the more
those barriers to peace...

"Count it all joy..." the Spirit whispers to me;
reminding me of unseen hands moulding my clay
into something ultimately beautiful.
The new math of creation's renewal
bids me to count with a reckless abandon
those things that seem to be devoid of their comfort...
and see the glory of seeking His face
in joyful anticipation of fellowship and promise.
"count it all joy..." pours down with the cleansing flood
made available at the foot of the cross;
resting its waters in receptacles of anticipation
of counting the joys
and not the depths of the valleys.