
By Michael W. Raley
My life’s path is littered with regret,
Where I had the best of intentions,
Yet things did not work out for the best.
I look back on those days with equal amounts of frustration and lamentation.
In the midst of this darkness, I try to hold onto the Light,
Though I can’t make any of this right.
My hope and strength are gone,
Sorrowful, seemingly unable to carry on.
The failed experiences have left me feeling jarred
And left me to play a hand of worthless cards.
In my mind I am broken and defeated,
Paralyzed with indecision,
For fear that the past will be repeated.
I once again fall back into a depression.
Then my spirit comes into a revelation
That there is hope, there is salvation.
I remember that God’s grace
Is bigger than any mistake I can make.
The past, of course, can’t be erased,
But I can go forward in grace,
If you will, a heavenly clean slate
Which gives me the opportunity to get back in the race,
Without the feelings of failure, self-loathing and hate.
As long as I have breath, it’s not too late
Thanks to God’s unending grace.