The Me I Need to Be

I know that I already wrote a New Year’s post, but I had this idea for a poem that I couldn’t not write (and when was the last time I published a poem on TTT?). You’ve probably been getting bombarded with a lot of content about growth and resolutions, which can be helpful but also overwhelming. I wrote this post as a reminder to myself (and to you!) that although it’s important to strive for growth in our relationship with God, He has already sacrificed everything for our salvation and sanctification. And because of that, our faults and failures can be forgiven.

The me I need to be is gracious—
She sympathizes with others when they’re struggling
Rather than silently judging them as they break down in tears.

The me I need to be is forgiving—
She forgets the wrongs done against her
Instead of bottling them up and holding them against others for years.

The me I need to be is kind—
She reaches out to the people around her
Rather than shrinking back at the sight of any discomfort.

The me I need to be is patient—
She lets people express themselves and their struggles
Instead of brushing them aside on her way to do all the things.

The me I need to be is generous—
She gives freely of herself and her possessions
Rather than hoarding and skimping and cheapskate-ing.

The me I need to be is amenable—
She is always ready for her day to get interrupted
Instead of crumbling every time her plans must be modified.

The me I need to be is peaceful—
She looks forward to what’s ahead
Rather than letting the future terrify her.

The me I need to be is hopeful—
She sees the light at the end of the tunnel
Instead of assuming the worst is yet to come.

These are just a few characteristics of the me I need to be,
But above all else, I know that the me I need to be looks just like You—
Who carried the burden of my failings and weaknesses
So that I could be transformed into the me I need to be.

But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws upon their heart, and on their mind I will write them.” He then says, “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:12-17 NASB1995)