A New Page. A New Year.

For the past 20+ years, I have read this poem by an unknown author on the first Sunday of each new year.

It was a tradition that was passed on to me by my friend and preaching mentor Paul Andrews. After Paul’s passing, his son Bob continued that tradition. And I have as well, where ever I’ve been preaching.

It’s short and simple. But offers a significant and sanguine message.

I came to my teacher with a quivering lip,
My task undone.
“Teacher, hast thou another page for me?
I have spoiled this one.”

He took the old page,
Stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one,
Clean and unspotted.

And into my sad face smiled…
“Do better next time my child.”

I came to the throne with a trembling heart,
The old year gone.
“Lord, hast thou another chance for me?
I have spoiled this one.”

He took the old year,
Stained and blotted,
And gave me a new one,
Clean and unspotted.

And into my glad face smiled…
“Do better next time my child.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman