"You heavens above, rain down My righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it." Isaiah 45:8
The passage of time calls forth reflection once again, as we plan and set goals for 2024. I’d like to share a lovely poem by American poet N.P. Willis. It was written back when contemplation and activities closely mirrored the rhythms of nature. His meditation thoughtfully expresses thankfulness for God’s blessings through the wonder of His creation all the year through. May it inspire us as we look with anticipation for His guidance in the coming New Year.
January 1, 1828
Fleetly hath passed the year. The seasons came
duly as they are wont—the gentle spring,
and the delicious summer, and the cool,
rich autumn, with the nodding of the grain,
and winter, like an old and hoary man,
frosty and stiff—and are so chronicled.
We have read gladness in the new green leaf,
and in the first-blown violets; we have drunk
cool water from the rock, and in the shade
sunk to the noontide slumber. We have plucked
the mellow fruitage of the bending tree,
and girded to our pleasant wanderings
when the cool wind came freshly from the hills;
and when the tinting of the autumn leaves
had faded from its glory, we have sat
by the good fires of winter, and rejoiced
over the fullness of the gathered sheaf.
God hath been very good! Tis He whose hand
molded the sunny hills, and hollowed out
the shelter of the valleys, and doth keep
the fountains in their secret places cool;
and it is He who leadeth up the sun,
and ordereth the starry influences,
and tempereth the keenness of the frost—
and therefore, in the plenty of the feast,
and in the lifting of the cup, let Him
have praises for the well-completed year.
Nathaniel Parker Willis
PRAYER: With thankfulness and praise, Lord we look ahead to the days You have ordained for us. Rain down Your righteousness! May our thoughts and plans, our words and our works glorify You in Jesus’ name. Amen.