Lamentations 3:21-23 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” ESV

A few years back, our congregation held a church grounds clean-up day.  As I trimmed shrubs, an elderly man walked by, stopping to admire our building’s beautiful stained-glass windows. He politely inquired of the possibility of viewing the windows from inside the auditorium with the illumination of light. As I escorted him in, he suddenly stopped and gasped. I turned to see him mesmerized by the scene that lay before him. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he slowly walked down the aisle, studying each window.  After a period of silence, he loudly exhaled and announced, “Breath-taking!”  His commentary on each design and color selection was thoughtful and deliberate. As he departed, his head shook in disbelief of the beauty he had been privileged to behold.

Reluctantly returning to my shrubs, I reflected on this brief encounter with a stranger. I recalled a day long ago when I too had stopped in my tracks beholding the beauty of the light shining through those very same windows. I reminisced of being unable to worship that morning as I stared at the magnificent colors all around me.

I have entered that auditorium thousands of times now and am ashamed to admit I rarely glance towards the windows. Their radiance has not changed, but sadly I have. My indifference has obscured their majesty.

Lamentations speaks of God’s glorious mercies abounding daily. As new Christians, His faithful compassions once mesmerized us. Those were the days we delighted in the mercies of forgiveness when we failed, the spiritual healing when we wandered away, His comfort when our souls wearied, and His peace when our hearts were troubled. But time has a way of dulling our senses allowing us to accept God’s faithfulness void of our gratitude.

The writer of Lamentations was aware of our mortal frailties and encouraged us to remain faithful to God’s mercies. As these days of quarantine lengthen and our souls become weary, we must be diligent to cling to the mercies of God. In so doing, our hearts will be lifted, our focus will be clear, and His promised hope will be ours.

Father God, as we start this new day, may we never take for granted your constant and faithful mercies that surround us.     

Rita Cochrane