two
All separations make grief...
    and every grief
    has its required steps.

There are no "may I" steps...
    or giant steps
    to skip to the end.

Steps required...
    sometimes rested upon
    sometimes returned to:

    Shock (disbelief)
    Release (tears, etc.)
    Denial
    Physical symptoms
    Guilt (self-blame)
    Panic
    Depression
    Hostility
    Re-entry
    Hope
    Adjustment

For a month or three or four
    one checks the list
    for the current step.

Comfort only comes
    to those whose mourning
    goes through the steps.

God's gracious time
    gradually makes past pain
    a past pain. 

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          three
If you wonder
   how you're doing
   in the Ministry...
   resign!

I never knew how many
   were hostile at me...
   or pleased.

Mostly you get affirmation...
   things you never knew
   you did
   or said
   that made life-difference.

Hard to believe
   who felt so close to you...
   dependent
   carried by your work.

Stories increase
   of miracles
   I never hear about
   and ways of being
   I hadn't realized.

It's a revelation
   and great encouragement
   when you find
   that what you tried to do
   you did...
   at least for some.

If you ever wonder...
   just resign.

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