100th Post!

I mentioned I'd share one more post on this website, so here it is! This also happens to be my 100th post. So much has happened in my life since I started this blog, and I am endlessly grateful.

I wanted to re-share the very first poem I featured on here, "In His House". From a technical/writing standpoint, there are many aspects of this piece that I would change now. However, the heart of the poem - the Father's invitation for us to come and be loved as we are - still deeply resonates.

Even if you've read it before, I hope this little story ministers to you today. Thank you so much for reading. Blessings!

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In His House

I enter

Unwind my scarf

Kick off my boots

And am embraced by the aromas of

Caramel-spice tea

Leather

Chimney smoke

Venison stew

And tranquility.

“I’ve been waiting for you!" He beams,

His twinkling eyes the same mahogany

As His flannel shirt.

“What took you so long?”

I brave a smile,

But my face shatters,

And tears hit my cheeks.

“Oh, dear,” He says,

Peppery eyebrows knotting together.

 “Let’s sit down, shall we?”

He leads me to

A musty wingback chair by the hearth

And brings me a tray

With the tea and stew I love so much.

Then He settles across from me

On the old calico couch

And waits.

I twist my fingers

Ashamed to voice

What He already knows.

But I breathe deep, and blurt:

“I don’t belong here.

I don’t see why

You let me drink Your drink and feast on Your food,

 Laugh with You and be warmed by Your fire,

When I’m just a child.

A stupid, selfish child

Who could never repay You for Your generosity.

“You have everything,

And I am nothing.

So why do You put up with me

Time and time again

When You should be entertaining finer company?”

I fall silent

My own words piercing me

Like jagged knives of condemnation.

I fear His response.

Much to my surprise,

He wraps His arms around me,

His weathered hands warm on my back.

I feel my heart slow

As acceptance courses through my bones.

“My dear,” He whispers.

“I could share my house with anyone.

But I want to share it with you.

So keep coming over

Because there’s nothing I love more

Than simply being with you.”