These Merciful Hedges

In 2007, shortly after the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis, I was overwhelmed when thinking of how God is constantly gracious and merciful to me, every second of every day. The overflow of my meditation was a poem entitled "These Merciful Hedges."

The purpose of the poem is really threefold. First, I hope to learn to recognize God's persistent mercy in the routine of day to day life. Instead of expecting or neglecting His care, let us remind ourselves to praise Him for His goodness.

Second, I hope to encourage those who have faced brutal tragedies to not allow those terrible circumstances to turn us from God but rather toward Him.

Third, I fully admit that my life to this point has been free of shattering, devastating heartache. Therefore, alongside thanking God for merciful hedges, I also want to lean upon Him in preparation for the possible turmoil. So that if and when that time comes, I will praise Him still.

You can find the poem here. Enjoy!