Lamentations 3:21-23
King James Version (KJV)
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

What I recall of my teenaged years is not pleasent.  I was rebellious,  drunk or stoned, as often as possible.   School was a trial,  work was better, free time, I don’t remember much.

My mother was afflicted with arthritis from her late thirties onward.   I’m pretty sure that during my teenage years she was high on pills to relieve her pain.  She didn’t complain.

I know I was loved, even in the midst of rebellion.   It troubles me now that I had little thought,  care or compassion for her or anyone else. 

The last time she visited here, I would be upset when she didn’t want to move….do things,  be with me while I played piano at Snug Harbor. (She was nearly 90) and in pain.

I  still didn’t understand pain.

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

I still  didn’t have mercy or compassion,  I am not a nice person.   I have not learned to put others first.  Thank you Jesus, that Your mercy is new every morning.

I must remind myself;   I am a child of God, not because I am so good.   He is.   God is and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Lord, help me to seek Your face, to understand Your love and compassion.   Help me to see with Your eyes,  know Your heart,  do Your will.  Thank You.

bill theunfetteredpreacher cote