An Easter Poem

This is a "poem" that I wrote my Freshman year of college (Feb 10, 2002).  

"POEM OF MY SAVIOR"

Blood drips down, I can almost feel it pool at my feet.

I'm scared to look up, because I know the blood is not from me.

I know it should be.

A quick glance up I see Your feet.

Painfully nailed to the blood soaked tree.

Tears begin to form; I know your feet are pierced for me.

I raise my head a bit more,

all I feel is shame as I see Your wounded side.

Fresh blood still flowing out.

I look away just to see your pierced hands.

Hands that once healed, comforted so lovingly.

Now nailed to the tree.

I'm scared to look at Your face

Scared to see the pain caused by me.

Somehow I bring my gaze to Your eyes.

A tear rolls down Your cheek,

mixing with the blood pouring from your brow.

I see you struggle for breath as you smile,

all you can manage is:

"I love you my child."

Tears fill my eyes

I cover my face and bury my head.

How could I do this to You?

All I can do is fall down

I kneel and weep on the blood soaked ground

Feeling so much remorse, so much sorrow.

I fall still and silent

I lay so scared.

Finally I look up, I see the cross is bare

Blood soaked wood is all that remains

I feel a hand on me,

it pulls me up, it's You

You look me in my tear filled eyes, smile and say:

"I love you my child!"

Lessons from Adelaide

It's amazing what a 3 month old can teach you when you pay attention!

Adelaide and I often have "Daddy and Addie time" early in the morning before Mummy gets up.  Usually while I am downstairs eating breakfast and spending time reading and praying I hear Addie start to stir upstairs so I will go and get her and she will join me for the last part of my time with God.

The other day as I was reflecting and praying while holding Addie on my lap.  I was holding a toy in front of her that she began to swat at, and attempt to bring to her face to suck on.  This is a new thing for her, so she wasn't all that successful at first--but she kept trying, sometimes getting a hold of it, sometimes missing completely--all the while smiling and looking quite excited about the whole thing.

I started thinking how much that is like being a disciple and follower of Jesus.  It's an exciting journey--but it's one that we don't always get right--sometimes we "get a hold of it", other times we "miss completely"--but what a joy following Jesus can be!

However, as I had this thought--Addie grew tired trying to get her toy--frustration was finally setting in.  And soon she stopped striving and instead just tucked herself into my chest and relaxed.

And it hit me again--isn't THAT just like discipleship too.  Sometimes it's hard and frustrating--while it can be exciting and fun, there are times of growing weary and tired--times when we just need to cuddle up into the shadow of our Father's arms.

Being a disciple of Jesus is a journey, not a destination--it's a journey full of success and failure--it's exciting and frustrating all at the same time.  It's a journey that requires others who will encourage, challenge and support.

Ultimately, it's a journey of LOVE -- Addie can be successful, missing the mark, or just needing to come and rest in my arms--it's all part of the journey, and I love being on it with her.  Discipleship should be the same.

If you aren't on the journey with others of learning how to follow Jesus, I'd encourage you to find a few to start intentionally journeying with--you won't regret it.