Written by Grace Assad from poems of grace
every tree starts as seed
and beneath the soil grows
a hidden work, not any eye can see
yet roots reach down, deep in the ground
and grasp from waters deep
the hum of life without making a sound
who would notice quiet, deep, dark work…
in the mundane, ordinary things?
folding clothes
crafting sentences
drawing up meds
giving baths
and waking up to do it all again
the glory of a seed
lies in its quiet growing
according to its Maker’s call
may we revel in the doing
far beyond another’s noticing
and honor our Maker most of all
who am I to know?
maybe this life’s work was all underground
and eternity begins when shoots ascend
our flourishing only then to be found
Prayer
Father, strengthen the work of our hands. When the light seems dim around us, help us trust the work You’re doing in and through us.
Give us endurance when the work is arduous.
Give us patience when the work is monotonous.
Give us grace when the work is challenging.
Give us peace when the work is heavy.
Give us healing when the work is damaging.
Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love. Give us rest in the evening from work well done. Remind us that we are not defined by the work we do, but by our trust in You. Strengthen the work of our hands. Amen!