Take heed, all of you, that your possessions
do not choke the breath from your lungs,
rout the glee from your hands, or steal the
affection of your hearts.
The longing for more, and yet more,
and more again, grows faster
than kudzu, whose greenery—
though pleasant of sight—
smothers everything in its grasp.
Take heed, all of you, and resist the urge
for bigger barns and the impulse to secure
your life by the power of your own appetite.
The longing for more, and yet more, and more again,
will spoil your appetite for all that is truly good,
all that is truly beautiful, all that truly satisfies.
Take heed, all of you, who have more than enough,
for your bounty and abundance will become a
burden and encumbrance.
The longing for more, and yet more,
and more again,
will sever your relations: with each other,
with the land,
and with the Beloved One
who provides enough for our need (but not for our greed).
Sisters and brothers, your wanting is not flawed
if you long to be rich, be rich, be rich and yet more—
long to be rich in God!
©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org. Inspired by Luke 12:13–21.