do not spare
– After Isaiah 54:2
rise with optimism
shower with sweet-scented soap
dress in fine denim
eat with appetite
drink from a large mug
serve with a smile
teach with imagination
parent with compassion
heal with mercy and gentle hands
buy with foresight
sell with honesty
drive with caution
sing with gusto
play with a light heart
laugh heartily
relax without guilt
befriend with loyalty
face injustice with courage
cruelty with kindness
poverty with generosity
a stranger with hospitality
pray with faith
love with passion
worship always
sleep in peace
© 2016 by Violet Nesdoly (All rights reserved)
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Intent, Leigh Anne Eck’s one-little-word choice for 2016, is another of those words with several meanings. As a noun it means something that is intended—a purpose or design. It can also be an adjective that describes what is firm, steadfast, having attention, sharply focused, determined, a resolve, earnest (and a slew of other synonyms).
I have binders of poems, many of which have never seen the light of day. The one I’m posting today was written back in 2008, but it expresses what living with intention means for me. It came out of thinking about Isaiah 54:2 — a verse I love for its challenge to grow, risk, and think big.
“Enlarge the place of your tent,
And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings;
Do not spare;
Lengthen your cords,
And strengthen your stakes.”– Isaiah 54:2.
This post is linked to Spiritual Journey Thursday, hosted by Holly Mueller at Reading, Teaching, Learning.
Violet Nesdoly 
Another masterful post! Thank you for resurrecting your Is. 54:2-inspried “do not spare” poem. It has infused light and life into my “intent” reflections. Of all the wonderful lines, I especially like “play with a light heart.” Playing with life’s challenges makes them less intimidating:) In an intimidating world, we’re in good hands with your posts! And speaking of hands, how did you manage to capture your gusto-singing herald? (If I didn’t know your photographic prowess, I’d wonder if you Photo-shopped that little creature in. Amazing–just like you and your poetry!) Thank you!
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Bobbie, thank you! You’re too kind. The photo is not ‘shopped. I always take my camera with me on our morning walks. For shots like this I probably took a half dozen to get him in full throat.
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Amazing…just like you!..Always singing full gusto in praise of the Lord! God bless you…
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This is beautiful, uplifting. I’m glad it finally saw light of day. Please do NOT spare us from reading your poetry.
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Joy, what a lovely comment. Thank you!
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Your poem is so lovely. I especially like these lines:
pray with faith
love with passion
worship always
sleep in peace
Excellent advice! Thank you for this!
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I’m glad you found this tucked away! It is beautiful. I especially liked
“sing with gusto
play with a light heart
laugh heartily
relax without guilt”
But each line was a wonderful intention!
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I love this poem, psalm. I may take it as a prompt. I haven’t written about intent yet. But you have inspired me.
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I agree with Margaret. The Psalm is wonderful and will let me think about growing, taking risks, and dreaming bit. Violet your poem from the past certainly has much significance here.
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Oh, I forgot to tell you that your photo is amazing.
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Your poem is a guide for good living! I’d like to post it on my bathroom mirror and look at it every day! I love the Isaiah scripture, too. Your photo and caption make me smile. How wonderful!
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I love the photo too. I especially love each intent you represent in your poem. Living life full with compassion, love, faith, prayer, friendship, worship and peace. thanks for sharing.
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