We must not let the measure of regrets

make us forget the times

that we have stepped up and stood in the gap

to protect those that we love,

to defend the cause of truth,

to pursue the course of honor.

Without undue shame,

we should forgive ourselves yet still remember the names

of those we failed,

those we hurt,

those we slighted in some unthinking rush

to gain our own advantage.

It is a fine balance,

but one steadily gained with more practice:

to accept our limitations,

to reject undeserved humiliation,

yet walk humbly

in ready appreciation for others,

To be neither crushed by our own shortcomings,

nor puffed up by our own accomplishments,

to give due weight to the incredible grace

that has given us this present place in our lives,

and to walk in perpetual amazement

of the glory of God and the frailty of humanity.

H. Arnett

11/17/20