And he rose

and immediately picked up his bed

and went out

            before them all,

so that they were all amazed

and glorified God, saying,

"We never saw anything like this!"

                              Mark 2. 12

(What are the differences

that others observe in us,

   or we have witnessed in ourselves?

Not that we are perfect,

           or live without difficulties,

but how we respond differently

     with a new heart,

             right where we are.

Our answers,

our approach,

our actions,

and our attitudes are impacted

   by our relationship with Jesus.

The gospel seeps all over

       everything about us.)

O LORD,

You have not promised

        an easy life

        without hardship

             or hard stuff,

but You have promised

    a new life when we walk with You.

We don't just see

           circumstances with new eyes,

but we see You,

others,

and ourselves with a new heart.

May we all stand amazed

    at Your transformation

in all that we do

             and all that we pursue.

Bring Your glory today

       even to this situation before us.