Almost Too Deep for Words

An ache from deep within,
A heart that is raw and wicked.
The realization rocks me to the core-
I am reaping what I have sown.
This life of selfishness and pride
Has resulted in pain and loneliness.
All the hurts I have done are cascading back on me.
I deserve this.

I confess my wicked heart and bitter envy.
I confess my tendency to leave.
I confess my hurtful actions.
My life is a mess.

But You say that there is no condemnation,
You say that You will never forsake me,
You say that You love me!
This I do not deserve!
You extend mercy to a wretched sinner,
Grace to a rebellious heart.
You are good beyond measure.
I cannot understand.
What would make You pay the price
For someone like me?
Faithless, unfaithful, struggling, rebellious, stubborn.
How can You love me???

But You do.
It is amazing and life changing.
My guilt is gone. I don’t understand.
God change my heart. Breathe Your life into me.
Strengthen me to withstand the circumcision of my heart,
when You transform me to the image of Christ.
Love me through the pain.
Show me the end result. Your glory! My transformation.
To look more like Jesus. It is painful.

But worth it.

Bare Cypress Branches

Bare cypress branches
Where crimson cardinals play.
The gray, somber sky
Marks this winter’s day.
There’s beauty in the bareness,
The cold that numbs my nose.
Icy flakes, frozen lakes-
Cypress covered in snow.

Bare cypress branches
Where once the foliage burned
Orange and rust and goldenrod
Before the season turned.
There’s beauty in the blaze of color,
The crispness of the air.
Crunching leaves and autumn breeze-
Cypress with copper flair.

Bare cypress branches
At one time green and lush.
Pops of colorful flowers and vines
Dotted the underbrush.
There’s beauty in the fragrant growth,
The honeysuckle and daisy.
Hazy skies and dragonflies-
Cypress cool and shady.

Bare cypress branches
Where soon the leaves will grow.
April showers bring May flowers,
After the March winds blow.
There’s beauty in the blush of spring,
When life begins anew.
Dogwood blooms, jasmine perfumes-
Cypress with morning dew.

The turning of the seasons,
Unpredictable though they be,
Are observed with delight
In that little cypress tree.
There’s beauty in my Father’s world,
If we open our eyes to see.
Honor and praise to Him are raised
The earth is filled with His glory.