A man

without self-control 

is like a city

broken into

and left without walls.

            Proverbs 25. 28

(Don’t think of self control 

as missing out

    on something good

but in gaining strength

    in something far greater.

Those choices

—even what appears

           so insignificant—

changes

the course of our lives

—and everyone around us.)

O LORD, 

Help us to seek 

   what strengthens us in You.

Help us to beware of 

                the cracks,

the distractions,

the glittery temptations.

And to know 

what we choose

      always matters

more than we realize.