So I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart....and she will respond there as in the days of her youth. - Hosea 2:16,17
O Lord,
again and again it seems
you come calling us -
we,
who are so enamoured
of our own brilliance,
the flash of things,
the pleasures of our own toys,
the promise of our own power,
who deserve nothing
from you,
how often we
forget you,
run after the bright toys
that lead to our sorrow,
our loss,
our emptiness,
our death.
Lost in the desert,
we so often taste the dust
of our own shattered dreams,
the death of our own schemes,
the ashes of our own weakness.
And yet,
there, if we look,
we can see you,
calling our name.
There, if we listen,
we can hear the sweetness of your voice
saying, "Come, beloved,
let me heal your hurts,
let me soothe your pains,
let me love you."
There, in the desert,
you offer us shelter,
shade against the burning,
protection from the stinging sands,
forgiveness,
love,
acceptance.
"Return to me,
let me love you,
let me show you
peace,
joy,
truth," you whisper.
Lord,
without your call,
we would be truly lost indeed.
May each of us,
hearing your voice,
take your hand
and find shelter in your arms,
this day,
and always.
Amen.
Lovely poetry, as always.