Thursday, April 14, 2011

Coming Home: A Poem

Drifting. . .
Wandering from my Father’s home,
Playing about the fringes of His grace,
Across the street,
            Down the block,
                        Around the corner.
My own way,
            My own strength,
                        My own resources.

Homeless. . .
Far country,
Miry clay,
Inheritance spent for hog slop.
Disillusioned,
            Desperate,
                        Destitute.

Longing. . .
For “someplace where me and things go together,”
A home,
            A haven,
                        Un abri.

Remembering. . .
A warm fire,
            A full belly,
                        A loving Father.
Abba, I have sinned.

Discovering. . .
Vigilant grace with open arms,
            A warm embrace,
                        A shower of kisses.
Robes for rags,
            Filet mignon for locust pods,
                        Sonship for servitude,
His life for my death,
His life for my life.

Home.



11 comments:

  1. smiles. lovely very with great intesity, smacks of the prodigal...i was one.


    my imperfect

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  2. This is the heart of the prodigal son, isn't it? Well captured!!

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  3. elegantly decribed journey, playing about on the fringes of grace, I wonder how I often I do that even now, words to ponder.

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  4. beautiful. loved this, and thanks for sharing :)

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  5. Thank you, faithful Kelly and Brandee.

    Welcome, Brian and Kati. It's nice to meet you. Yes, this is a prodigal poem. It took me a long time to know I was one, though, since I identify more with the older lost son.

    Welcome back, Joybird. We all do that, I think. For me the fringes are often toying with a return to perfectionism self-righteousness (which is none at all).

    The Lord be with you all.

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  6. Home. The perfect word for the title, and the perfect message throughout the poem. There's no place like Home when it is in Christ.

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  7. @Amy "There's no place like Home when it is in Christ." Amen!

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  8. this is breathtaking, sister. it makes me long for home.

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  9. @emily wierenga Thank you, Emily.

    That longing is good, but for me it's strongest when this world feels least homey and I'm hurting. If you are there today, may the Lord come alongside and comfort you.

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Thank you for sharing your day with me! Your presence here is a gift. *You* are a gift. Right now I am unable to reply to every comment, but please know I read and pray for each and every commenter. Grace and peace to you in Christ.