November 2nd

“Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31

in dog walkers
and street hawkers,
in rough sleepers
and mythological innkeepers.
in tax collectors watching
from tree branches,
and neighborhood kids
cleaning up yards after storms.
in all
who put up with us
and those who nudge us,
in the ones who chase
after you with abandon
and folks who drag
their doubts like luggage.
in the grandfather
who lives just around the corner
and the nana sheltering
neighborhood kids in a
war-torn town,
we find your
Beloved Community
in all the wrong places
we never thought to visit
and in all the wrong people
we never deem worthy.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman