I have been in the R & D part of the business for 20 years.

It is exciting to be at the forefront of this work,

To be part of the expansion of knowledge,

And contribute to its useful deployment.

In biology, we get excited about the discovery

of new proteins, genes, chemicals and processes,

Yet most of them have been there for millions of years,

Because you designed them Lord.

Under your hand they developed and emerged,

each to fulfil a useful function.

Some people like to call that evolution.

That's just a word, but it becomes alive when directed by you.

I know a little bit about the way calcium ions move around the body.

They must have been around since day one - or soon after,

When particles congealed in the plasma to make the first atoms,

Yet we still don't know the finer points.

Then we try and manipulate their movement to human benefit,

But quite often get it wrong at first.

Lord, I praise you because I am wonderfully made.

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [1]

May I never stop marveling at the wonder of your creation.

Teach me to respect it, and use it responsibly,

In our business, and for the benefit of others.

1. Psalm 139 v 14.

Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved. For comments or responses, please contact