June 23rd

“The Lord is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.” Psalm 145:17

too often, it seem your goodness
is playing hide and seek with us,
when our cries for peace echo back
or when the promise of justice
turns out to be just idle gossip.
then—
when we are too alone
a stranger offers a weary smile
while holding open a door,
grace comes like a stunning sunset,
a chair is pulled out
to welcome us at a table,
mercy curls up in our souls.
and we discover once again
that while we may not see your hand,
your fingerprints are all over
the compassion offered to the forgotten,
the hope given without conditions,
the quiet faithfulness of a friend,
and we once more lean
into your steadfast love
which is always beside us.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman