A New Year's Prayer

Gentle, yet Almighty God
I slip into your presence this New Year's morn

To thank you for a year gone by…
For every gorgeous sunrise and the fullness they brought my heart
For the scent of summer flowers and of a woman's perfume
That left me feeling heady and breathless
I thank you for beauty - the beauty of creation in all its forms

I thank you that the year is past…
With every misspoken word and hurtful deed
Every doubt and fear and sorrow that tore at my soul
And left me wounded and weeping
I thank you that the past - is the past

I thank you for the wheel and the fire
Potter's tools that sometimes left me dizzy
Or feeling scorched or brittle or dry
But were really shaping and forming me
I thank you for seeing me - not as I am, but as you are making me

I thank you for friends…
For old friendships renewed and new friendships born
For arms that hold, and hearts that hope
And promises to pray - and unconditional love
I thank you for the future - and the friends who will walk with me there.