Perspective

I close my eyes and smile
as I breathe in the salty air;
I look up at the sky
and I’m reminded You are here.
A sense of rest and peace,
that I’ve been wanting for so long;
I sink into serenity,
feel like nothing can go wrong.

I think back and reflect upon
the things I’ve said to You-
of how I’m tired and I’m weary,
feeling battered, beat and bruised.
And now I wonder to myself-
how long did I celebrate my pity?
Wallow in self-absorption-
a sight not ever pretty.
Long to be a reflection
of who You are and what You’ve done;
yet as soon as hard times hit,
I cower in defeat, or I just run.
So how are they supposed to see You?
If I don’t act like You are here?
They see my face covered in my hands,
sheltered in despair.

It almost rings of humor
when I think about it now;
Surrounded by Your blessings,
but things aren’t easy, so I pout.
When those around me really suffer
facing death and poverty;
people that are starving,
while I’m crying, “woe is me!”
I’m sorry that I whine,
while You try to show me love;
I argue and complain,
as if Your mercy’s not enough.
Now, as I drink in Your creation,
I see that there’s a bigger picture;
I see how small I am,
just one ingredient in the mixture.

But, you know- it’s so refreshing,
an accurate picture of who I am;
and who You are in all Your majesty,
working out Your mighty plan.
Nutrition to the soul,
seeing minuteness in the mirror;
pride’s death, it welcomes servitude,
that makes my purpose clearer.

Your patience overwhelms me,
as I see that I’m a mess;
You never let it stop You,
You never offer less
than everything You could ever give-
You sacrificed it all,
to welcome me into Your arms,
reverse the debt of the fall.
How can I ever thank You?
When clearly I’m unable,
to always walk in step-
my faith is rarely stable.
I always find myself
getting tripped up by these traps-
they always seem the same,
yet I let them form a gap
between the One who loves me most,
and my stubborn heart You cherish;
You don’t have to put up with this-
You could have let me perish.
Lord, thank You that You didn’t!
Mercy I will never fully grasp,
I cannot wait to see Your face,
and be with You at last…