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Hesitantly you turn
the page
crisp, clean, white
untouched–
what should you write?
Fearful of making a mess
so many ideas,
dreams and
doubts.
Indecision keeps you
immobilized,
perfectionism
stalls your
dreams from becoming
reality.
What comes first?
You know yourself,
how long
the good intentions
last.
Failure keeps you
from taking a step
in the right
direction.
But this time
you resolve
to do it differently–
no matter the mess
no matter the crossed out
words, scribbles, and
eraser marks.
No matter the tear stains
upon the clean page
you stumble ahead–
for falling forward is better
than sinking.
With each messy step
clinging to the Hand
that never leaves you
flailing alone.
Forward momentum
brings you closer
to where God desires
you to be.
For He will instruct you
He will teach you
in the way you
should go.
He will counsel you,
never letting you
out of His loving
sight.
Do you know His
voice?
Do you listen
to the quiet
prodding?
Leave behind your
resolutions,
leave behind your
perfection,
leave behind your need
for control.
You don’t have to walk
confidently into the new season
with a foolproof plan.
You can stumble in–
but always keep your face
forward,
eyes on the
Shepherd Guide–
always forward
one uncertain step
at a time.
Thank God for new starts and fresh slates to begin again each morning! I feel this in my bones, as I can be so hard on myself when I think I haven’t lived up to expectations, my own or others. Let this be a reminder for myself to have the courage to keep plodding on. God’s mercy gives fresh hope!
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Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a member of Proverbs 31 Ministries' COMPEL Writers Training, involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the Small Things https://maryfolkerts.com/ or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/
Many thanks, Mary. I love your poem. These words pop out for me this morning: "You don’t have to walk confidently into the new season with a foolproof plan. You can stumble in..." Thank goodness and what a relief. How encouraging to just step forward. And thank goodness for His new mercies every morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda! I appreciate your words! Yes thank God for his fresh mercies!! 💗
DeleteGood morning, Mary. Your poem is a wonderful way for me to start my day. I love it all but these words stood out for me, “With each messy step clinging to the Hand that never leaves you flailing alone.
ReplyDeleteForward momentum brings you closer to where God desires you to be.” I pictured God’s calming presence as He gradually helps the ‘flailing’ (great word) to cease. Thanks again.
Thanks for your words Sharon! Yes I feel “flailing” often describes me! So thankful for new mornings and mercy!💗
DeleteOh Mary, thank you for sharing this lovely poem with us. I love the lines "for falling forward is better than sinking," and "clinging to the Hand that never leaves you flailing alone." What wonderful and encouraging words you've shared. I'll be copying out these words and posting them above my desk.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful Lorrie that these words resonated with you! I love that they can be an encouragement!💗
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