Reconciliation For the Faint of Heart

Rec on cil i ation: to become friends again-
It is a chore to put on my “to do” list;
One must prepare; to plan, to execute.
My words tell the truth; what’s inside of me.

I disguise myself behind the curtain of anonymity.
How long has it been since my last true encounter?
When have I sought the One who knows well my heart?
Pride defeats the essence of my lifeless humility.

With each transgression, I forfeit eternal life;
Squander a hope for a better true path.
Feeling palpable pain, I’m forced to struggle-
Yes, to extricate self from the grip of another.

Sin is rancid salt; no longer a seasoning, gone flat.
An insidious odor permeates; gradually wounding my entire being.
All that’s left is a shell of my former self;
Darkness abounds, light disappears.

I have hidden my sins on the side of the road-
Need to be pulled from the muck my sins have caused.
To open my heart’s door, “Please, Jesus, come in.
A second, a third, a hundred chances I need.”

Only love, grace of the Spirit, can resurrect;
My brokenness is that of a misguided being.
Memories of my merciful God
Give hope for healing within, of the sickness of sin.

“A clean heart create for me, O God,
And a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
And your Holy Spirit take not from me.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,
And a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
And sinners shall return to you.”

Psalm 51, a prayer of repentance, pilots me
Toward doors of the confessional with a light of green;
I beg for strength to come, to draw me in
Where Love forever patient, is waiting for me.

His eyes search the path I have chosen;
Like the prodigal’s son’s father, His vigil is faithful, attentive.
His heart yearns for the slightest sign of His wayward son-
Of his desire to return to His household of love.

From afar the father notes the repentant son.
Running with all his might, he showers him with his mercy;
Restores to his wayward son, the father’s love;
Enrobing his son with compassion, forgiveness, dignity.

Fear disappears as tears stream down;
Words of sorrow transform my wounded soul,
As I confess all that I have kept hidden.
I resolve with help of Him: “Go and sin no more.”