April 27th

"And the LORD changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people." Exodus 32:14

we gather up the dry branches
of our fears to use as kindling
for fires we love so much
we give them names, as we
idolize those golden things
others create in hopes we will trust.
anger trembles at the very edge
of our hearts, longing to spill over—
yet forgiveness lingers longer.
in these days, when so many
are quick to harden their souls,
you choose, once more,
to turn—
not away
but toward us.
so,
teach us this holy pause
which keeps the fist unclenched,
which softens harsh words,
and opens tomorrow
to possibilities
beyond our closed minds.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman