A New Year. A Fresh Start.

For many years my friend and mentor the late Paul Andrews read this poem every first Sunday of the new year.

I adopted the practice. And for at least the last 20+ years have read it wherever I preached.

I don’t know the author. Variations of this poem have been attributed to different authors.

It’s a simple little piece. But it packs a powerful message. I hope you like it.

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 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.

Happy New Year, everyone!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman