Five Minute Friday: Mercy

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

It's been a week of recounting.

Looking at the good deeds of the Lord, breathing in grace to carry on.

On a Monday when you receive a call that lends you to gnawing fears, and then on a Tuesday night after you've witnessed the joy of your three year old taking flight on a two-wheeler, your joy is mingled with sorrow as you take another call, and on a Wednesday you look on a bed in the ICU and see your very own father. And by Friday morning you are not sure what the day could bring.

What about mercy?

He extends compassion and forgiveness to one who is not deserving. He withholds what I truly deserve and He is good and does good and He chases me down with His goodness and mercy. Right there in that verse, the Gentle Shepherd who leads me beside quiet waters, He follows me all the days of my life with His goodness and mercy!

As long as I am dwelling in His presence I have nothing to fear.

On a Friday, the cold winds whips around in the ash trees, but the warmth of His presence surrounds me as I rise, and whatever I may face I drink deep of His steadfast love and I hold fast to the promise that His mercies are new every morning.

And as I have received may He love through me and as I dwell in His presence - walking humbly with Him, acting justly and loving mercy, may I learn to extend this same love, grace and mercy.

***

Reflecting and writing on the word prompt given here for Five Minute Friday at Lisa-Jo's place. This week the prompt is: Mercy

Officially, the rules are:

1. Write for 5 minutes  {To be honest, I usually break this rule ;) }

2. Link up at Lisa-Jo's  and invite others to join in.

3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community...