January 4th

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

now,
before the world bangs the gavel
and wants your testimony,
take just a moment,
and place your ordinary hands,
callused or smoothed,
chapped by worry, nails chewed short,
into those hands of grace held out
in these moments.
your voice may be worn out,
you may feel the need to offer
stumbling apologies,
but borrow every word from God
so they can become blessings.
every little chore,
those unnoticed gifts of compassion,
bearing patience on your shoulders,
making the choice not to hurt—
is part of the economy of Jesus
where no act, so word, no life is wasted.
you don’t need to be holy,
just hopeful.
you don’t need to be privileged,
just be thankful, shown in
the way you walk,
the way you speak,
the way you serve,
the way love knows your name.

© 2025 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman