At the beginning of this day,
Things are still, premeditating
The adventure of life contained
In the minutes and hours lying

There in the near and distant time
Waiting to be lived and filled
With good thoughts, good times embracing
Whatever I choose, what I have willed.

Habits are strong, and some are intended
To be changed into other more useful ones...
Willpower alone does not suffice
To make a difference in what comes.

It takes Guidance from Jesus and Heavenly Father
To take the actions that are set in stones,
Keeping the good ones, discarding undesirables
And turning them into better ones.

Natural man's unwilling, stubborn heart
Cannot melt just through determination;
It takes hope, prayer and faith and divine fire
To turn mortal clay to a vessel of fine porcelain

Able to hold the water and fruit
Which encourages growth and progression...
So may this New Year bring a bounteous harvest
Of God's Love gifts, each in succession.

by Margaret Millet Tracy

copyright © Margaret Millet Tracy 2001