when change arrives may
peace be my guide

A few weeks ago I was talking with a new friend at a camp outside of Nashville.

We were attending a three day conference and on the first day we realized both of us had come alone.

I feared this would happen.

Being alone.

Being the guy outside of every circle.

Hesitant to enter into a conversation.

All of this felt familiar.

My first few months of high school I ate alone at lunch.

Most of my friends from middle school were either attending other high schools or had a different lunch schedule.

When you’re alone there is nothing worse than being alone.

I guess you can be alone, hungry, cold, wet, and have to go to the bathroom.

But let’s not get carried away.

Yet, by the grace of God, I met a friend and was no longer alone.

As our conversations continued He told me how all he really wanted was peace, but there was always something under the surface that kept the waters from being still.

The unknown.
The regrets.
The fear.
The relationships.
The guilt.
The noise.
The pandemic.
The questions and dreams and everything that comes with being alive.

I felt that.

I think we all have felt that.

Recently, I’ve been praying for change.
And for peace.
And I think those two can go together, but it often doesn’t feel like they can.
Is there such a thing as a peaceful disruption or a calming change?

Maybe.

But I still think something in the flower hurts when it begins to bloom.

A prayer for change and peace seems audacious and daring.
Almost like I’m setting myself up to be sore from what becomes.
But for one reason or 500 others, I cannot help but pray for change. 

In my new book (coming later this year!) you’ll read, “Change is coming, and it might even be here. I’ll remember the steps forward and the steps back that led me to where I am and before I begin to move these feet once again, I’ll slowly breathe in grace and exhale peace, knowing that every piece of me is here to be.”

So that’s what I’ll do today.

I’ll slowly breathe in grace and exhale peace, knowing that every piece of me is here to be.

I’ll pray for change and peace and trust He knows what I mean and what I need.

Change is coming. 
And yet, He remains the same.

Change is coming.
And yet, I am loved.

Change is coming.
And yet, He still gives me His peace.

Change is coming.
And yet, every piece of me is here to be.

Change is coming.
And yet, I know that where I am, He is too.

For more of my poetry, check out my books!