Recognize Handcuffs

 

I will walk with integrity of heart

        within my house.

I will not set before my eyes

  anything

        that is worthless.

              Psalm 101. 2-3

Worthless and good for nothing

   are strict taskmasters.

They don't just sit in a corner,

   but command our time

   and drain our hearts.

Anything

    literally means anything.

Because those little anythings

      can enslave us.

At the first nudge,

set it down, turn it off,

don't pick it up,

or even let it in the back door.

Make a choice.

Recognize handcuffs.

O LORD,

Keep us faithful to You

  in whatever we pursue

and how we spend our time,

even when

         no one else is looking.

Protect our feet and eyes

   and hearts from

   being enslaved

   by what traps and distracts.

Turn our eyes towards

   what brings You glory

and give us the wisdom

      to know the difference.