Speaking of Morning Has Broken. That hymn came to mind earlier this week as I witnessed a gorgeous sunrise very early in the morning from one of my favorite lookouts. As often happens when I find myself in a breathtaking place, I start to write.

Words flowed from my heart as I reflected on the contrast between the beauty of the sky and ugliness in our world that is being documented by daily headlines. There is so much that isn’t right. So much pain. So much fear. Cities are beginning to unlock the lockdown but normal has a new definition. I thought about the evil in our world as well as the sinful nature that punctuates our fallen humanity.

Here’s what I typed on my iPhone…
While morning has broken,
our world’s in a mess.
The virus still threatens
and causes us stress.

But even more deadly
is what lurks within.
It, too, is a virus.
God’s Word calls it sin.

Sin masks racist motives.
It keeps us apart.
Sin spreads just like COVID
as hate fills our hearts.

But love is a vaccine.
That’s where hope begins.
Love dares to say “sorry”
again and again.

Love mends what is broken.
It breaks what needs fixed.
Love brings us together
without stones and sticks.

It risks being slighted.
It owns ugly pride.
It claims God’s forgiveness
for which Jesus died.

Yes, love is the key. And love is possible. It’s a choice. It’s a daily choice. With the dawn of every morning, we have the chance to choose love over fear. Love over hate. Others over self.

Speaking of daily choices, every sunrise is a reminder that we have a chance to start anew each day. The words of Jeremiah convey that thought. In his journal we call Lamentations we read, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22)

Why don’t we take our cues from our Creator? And live a life of love a day at a time?

Greg’s book, “Sheltering Grace“ is listed on the BOOKS menu at $15.00 from Lulu Books.