January 2nd

“We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14

once, we were so empty
we could be carried by anything—
every shouting voice of anger
every fear behind wisdom’s mask
every glittering promise,
but love is the solidity we need
and grace grounds our souls.
slowly
gently
cautiously
Jesus teaches us to stand,
our feet in mercy’s soil,
our hands open to justice,
ears attuned to the word of life,
and we no longer resemble
driftwood beached on the shore,
but are rooted like oaks
in the fields of hope,
anchored in that love
which does not turn
with every wind which comes along.
this is growth, full growth
into that adulthood of faith
as we realize where to shelter
even as the waters may rise.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman