“This I recall to heart, therefore have I hope. It is of Jehovah’s loving-kindness we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not; they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” Lamentations 3:21-24 (DBY)
When I was a toddler, my mother’s maternal grandfather lived at our house for a time. Grandpa Herrington’s memory had begun to fail and daily experiences gave him a fresh, new perspective. On those days when memory was weakest, he looked at trees, grass, and flowers as though he was seeing them for the first time. Neighbors, whom he had seen yesterday, were greeted today as though it was his first time to meet them. The only happy thing about Grandpa’s memory loss was watching his childlike excitement as he ‘discovered’ the new freshness of old things.
Sometimes, I wish I could be like Grandpa, without the memory loss. Consider what life would be like if we approached everyday, every aspect of life, every person, and every experience with a fresh, new perspective of expectancy. What would life be like if we refused to look at it from dull familiarity? Why can’t we look at life’s experiences with new enthusiasm? O, the joy of regarding God’s gifts! New sight! Fresh sound! New friends! Fresh faith!
The perspective of “new and fresh” is a kaleidoscope of discovery, surprise, expectation, joy, and gratitude. Some say I’m dreaming. Alright, let me dream on. It’s a super dream!
Dear Father, thank you for your fresh, new grace and mercy, today. Thank you for delivering us from being consumed. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for the hope we have in you. Empower us to see our lives and your blessings with a new, fresh perspective. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his compassionate faithfulness and live in hope,