My New Calendar

I have a brand-new calendar
To hang upon my wall;
Upon its twelve blank pages
Nothing written there at all.

I have taken down the old one
And checked the pages there,
To find cause for much thanksgiving,
And many an answered prayer.

But I see some cancellations,
Appointments never kept;
Things I always meant to do,
And deeds o'er which I wept.

In fact, that poor old calendar
Really looks a mess -
I'm so glad to have a new one
With its clean, white emptiness.

For all its opportunities,
Dear Lord, accept my thanks.
The decision facing me right now
Is how to fill those blanks!

I need your help, Lord Jesus,
Through every passing day,
To use to best advantage
What e'er You send my way.

Your gracious Holy Spirit
To guide me in Your Will,
The power You can give me
To be obedient still.

Your Joy to brighten darkness,
Peace to combat stress;
To overcome temptation,
Lord, grant me steadfastness.

Make me a little kinder,
More love to others show,
In every way, dear Jesus,
More like You to grow.

May my spiritual journey
Ever deeper be,
Bringing me, Lord Jesus,
Closer still to Thee.

Give me a deep compassion
For all who have a need,
And into Your blest Kingdom
Some wanderer may I lead.

Lord, grant me Your forgiveness
For failures in the past,
And give me grace and power
To serve You to the last.

Accept my recommitment
For service small or great;
My time and talents freely
I now would consecrate.

Then I will fill those spaces
In faith and without fear,
And enter my appointments
Gladly for the coming year!

Honoria A. Groves

New Year, 1977