These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

New Year's Hope

The new year gives us time to think,
to pause, and see the future's hope.
The days ahead pass 'fore you blink.
They all are washed by God-blest soap.

The hope is in a strength beyond
our human efforts to be good.
The Lord of All by saving bond
makes right what humans never could.

This year in hope by day and night
gives time for growth, and wisdom brings.
The past in all its earthbound plight
cannot define the soul, that sings.

Will fear of what may come our way
destroy our steps to onward go?
Will winter's cold defeat our day
to march toward summer's warmth to know?

Without hope's friendship can we live?
Can we yet help the sons of Earth?
The truest hope He ever gives
is change from death to know new birth.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 5th, 2022