do the next thing

I came across this sweet poem through a link on a friend's page on Facebook, and I was encouraged by it. I needed to remember that the flowers may die in the garden at the close of one season (like the sad but beautiful sunflower seen above in our patch o' dirt in November), but then you prepare it for planting more in the next season instead of hyper-focusing on the old things. I'm not quite in a bloggy mood this morning (and, once I get there, need to update The Works of God Displayed rather than this one!), so I thought I'd share that poem in hopes that it may encourage YOU!

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus..."Do the next thing."
Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ’neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, "Do the next thing."
–author unknown

I'm moving on to some "next things" today ... curtains and special needs ministry writing and birthday party planning and gallery wall hanging and all that. (And I've arranged for our precious middle school neighbor to watch the kids for me today so I can tackle all those "next things" today without little helpers. Oh, how I love the option of a daytime babysitter when she's tracked out!)

What next things are you tackling or about to be tackling? I know for one friend it's probably sending another query letter to an agent for her fantastic book. I know for others it's just getting up and starting a new day with the next things this morning the same as the next things were for them yesterday morning. What is your next thing right now?

 ²²The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

   his mercies never come to an end;

²³they are new every morning;

   great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23