Working Together for Good

Suppose someone got up early and swept the alley.
Only if those who pass by do not dirty the street again
does the work of the one who swept it shine.
Even if one of my people has served much and prayed much
for one heart after another,
if the character and will of the one they walked with do not follow along,
the one who interceded
will still have the fruit of their prayer and service,
but they will not taste the joy of answered prayer
or the joy of working together for good.
When the giver and the receiver become one,
they will know the joy
of working together for good.