Start With Dessert

 

Mercy triumphs

     over judgement.

        James 2. 13

For Thanksgiving,

we bring our specialties

    to the table,

our traditional offerings

 that everyone expects.

This year,

         make it mercy.

More than just a thin kindness,

but extending goodwill,

to see the best in others

  and want the best for them.

Judgment, criticism

and condemnation 

  lock the doors to 

  any kind of change.

But mercy pushes back

the darkness,

rejoices against circumstances,

and opens all realms to the

  possibility of reconciliation.

Judgment is a life sentence

            without parole.

Mercy releases

    the entire relationship.

But we cry,

     "they don't deserve mercy".

Neither do we.

O LORD,

With Your strength

and a huge dollop of Your grace,

  help us to be the ones

to bring mercy

  into our gatherings.

May we start with dessert

and let Your goodness preside.

Grant to us new triggers

loving instead of criticizing,

listening instead of avoiding,

seeing You, others, ourselves

         and this situation

with a fresh heart

    that only You can give.