New

For the times I hide a bitter thought behind a smile

A blessing serves to mask my envy

Of a brother, sister, very self of myself

And I've lost sight of my undeserved plenty

When my love of self laces words meant

To encourage, spur on the soldier at my side

Spiritual-sounding speech threaded with

Self-congratulation I skillfully hide 

For the times when my plans and purpose

Are all that I choose to see

And small interruptions, blessings I might have known

Get trampled in irritation, infatuation with... 

Me.

I don't understand these things I do!

Every step forward, each small victory

Is quickly eclipsed by an unknown wing of flesh

Or even pride in the battle You won for me!

Oh how I long for the Day when I'll shake off

This heavy mantle, matted with try after try

Groaning with stars and soil and lion-hunted lambs

For You to shatter my crouching, closing sky

And make all things new!

But for now, let me be

A new Creation

Renewed in the attitude of my mind

Leaning on the mercies that are new every morning.