The Lord is like a father to his children,
    tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
    he remembers we are only dust.
_{Psalm 103: 13-14 NLT}

I’ve seen fire
turn a home
to sloppy gray ash
in a matter of hours.

I’ve held a hand
when revelation’s flame
seared through
and turned a heart to dust.

I’ve whispered a prayer
when death’s inferno
scorched everyone
in it’s wake.

Ashes…
ashes…
we all
fall down.

Yet his tender hand
made a way
to discover home
is where Love abides.

And Compassion
embraces us
holds us
wipes our tears away.

Our weakness
does not deter
nor bring
retribution

Because he remembers
without Grace
we are only dust
and no matter the wilderness
Love abounds.

Our days on earth are like grass;
    like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows, and we are gone—
    as though we had never been here.
But the love of the Lord remains forever
    with those who fear him.
_{Psalm 103: 15-17 NLT}

---

Oh Dear Ones,

In the wilderness I currently reside, I find the smallest of reasons to give thanks.

I invite you to join me. Find something, even the tiniest of reasons, to give thanks in the wilderness of Lent.