Morning by Morning, New Mercies by Mary Folkerts

 

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.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22, 23

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!

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/