A time for clearing

1 Peter 2:1

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

​Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.

That's a tall order

ridding oneself

of all malice

of guile

of insincerity

of envy

and slander

What will be left

but a gaping hole

in the places

where those things resided.

A gaping hole

into which can move

kindness

positive regard

Joy

compassion

earnestness

And still there would be room

for other positive qualities

Qualities that take energy

to cultivate

but which bring

their own growth

and capacity for expansion

A tall order.

Clearing the weeds

to allow beauty to grow.