Share A Thought

Fine Dining

2011-10-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

I received my invitation to attend the King’s banquet
but was too busy to bother, too doubtful to try
so I tossed it aside, onto the hallway table
where it became lost in a clutter of junk mail and fliers.

Then I heard people speak highly of the King and his banquet
people whose opinions I held in respect
and my mind was opened to the new possibility
that the King and his banquet might be a reality.

I managed to find my lost invitation
read through its contents and found it still valid
committed myself to a week from that Tuesday
and hoped I had not suddenly gone out of my head.

When the day arrived I had second thoughts
but I quickly exchanged them for a more concrete resolve
and I prepared myself as best as I could
not knowing exactly what was involved.

I was surprised when the King himself greeted me warmly
I did not expect him to go out of his way for me
but in fact he welcomed me with a large heartfelt embrace
I felt right at home, as though I belonged in that place.

The king escorted me past many long tables
with diners joyfully dining on perfectly served portions
of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I was about to take my seat at the King’s request
when something at the back of the hall caught my attention
something vague and obscure but somehow intriguing
so instead of taking my seat, I followed its leading.

“Give careful thought to your ways,” the King dutifully cautioned
and I considered his words but did as I wanted
turned abruptly away from the King and his banquet
heading instead for the rear door exit.

Waiting for me outside the banquet hall door
was a delightful temptation I found to my liking
as though someone had researched my heart and my thoughts
and knew just what would appeal to my innermost nature.

I joined arm in arm with my new found temptation
and together we walked from the banquet hall light
leaving behind the King and his banquet
and entering into the darkness of night.

In the darkness we feasted, my temptation and I
devouring in great quantities as much as we wanted
and having as much as we wanted, we feasted some more
pleasing ourselves as though nothing else mattered.

Other temptations emerged in the darkness
seeking to satisfy an insatiable appetite
and with each new temptation the darkness grew darker
and together we walked deeper into the night.

The darkness seeped into my mind and my heart
a living, expanding cancerous growth
threatening to consume me and make me part of itself
my temptations now demons armed with soul killing death.

Then in that deep darkness I became aware of myself
a self-absorbed glutton, alone and in want
and I realized I had made a terrible mistake
and I wanted to run, to get out of that place.

I thought of the King and his welcoming embrace
the diners contentedly dining on perfectly served portions
I thought of it all, and I longed to return
wishing I had heeded the King and his caution.

The malignant darkness weighed heavy against me
but determined to change, I began to turn back
I groped through the darkness in search of the light
and one by one my temptations fell back into the night.

I made it back where I started, at the banquet hall door
and in the dim light from the banquet hall windows
I saw how wretched I was, my clothes stained and tattered
and I dropped to my knees and wept over my filth.

The hall door flung open, there stood the King
and I cowered in fear of his wrath and rejection
but he extended his hand, pulled me up to my feet
and despite my condition, gave me a heartfelt embrace.

The King led me back into the brightly lit banquet hall
and as we walked I marveled in near disbelief
watching my stained, tattered clothing become fresh and new
I was cleansed from the filth, relieved from my grief.

When we arrived at my seat, my plate was empty
with no perfectly portioned servings of fruit from the vine
so I turned to the King and implored of him why
but the King stood distant and silent, his arms at his sides.

Then I saw for the first time the scars on his hands
I saw his bruises, his welts, and the wound in his side
and I realized his sacrifice and the cost of redemption
my heart broke in pieces as I swallowed my pride.

Wanting no more of myself in the face of his love
I fell prone on the floor, as low as I could go
humbled to the point of complete surrender
I reached out and clung to the hem of his robe.

His light seeped into my mind and my heart
a living, expanding spiritual growth
promising to consume me and make me part of itself
the King now my King, with soul blessing life.

My plate is now full and perfectly portioned
no more and no less than just what I need
and I can say with full certainty and no hesitation
the advice I now give, you should readily heed.

When your invitation arrives, as surely it will
do not ignore or dismiss the King and his banquet
nor idly await a more favorable timing
come to the banquet, and enjoy some fine dining.

Trouble

2010-08-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

I stood on the shore
of a tranquil sea
in the comfort
of a warming sun
when trouble rose
like a giant wave
blacking the sun
enveloping me
in cold darkness.

The wave crashed
down upon me
churning me helplessly
in its frothy grip
until
I knew not
which was up
which was down.

I was tumbled
and bounced
suffered injury
and pain
weakened
to the point
of crying
no more.

Then that wave
of trouble
left me dropped
to my knees
while it quickly
and silently
slipped back into
the sea.

There
I stood on the shore
of a tranquil sea
in the comfort
of a warming sun.

Chasing Rabbits

2010-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was alone
in my backyard
when a rabbit happened along.
The rabbit paused
to consider me
then whiskered me to follow.

With no counsel present
to caution my whim
I chased that bouncing tail.
Always two or three steps back
til prickly thickets
closed the trail.

Another rabbit
appeared on my right
mischievously intriguing.
This rabbit's dance
I more lustfully pursued
down zigzag paths misleading.

Still another
to my left
snatching my attention.
All arms and legs
pell-mell and reckless
I raced the rabbit's direction.

Panting, gasping
hands on knees
searching for my senses.
Another rabbit winked at me
knowing I was defenseless.

We walked together
this rabbit and I
to a little place out of the way.
We dined on
fresh shucked oysters
harvested from the bay.

The rabbit went
its rabbit's way
while I contentedly smiled.
Sated and refrained from
chasing rabbits
for a while.

On That Day

2009-11-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

On that day
when the sun is darkened
when the moon does not give its light
when the stars fall from the sky
and the heavenly bodies are shaken
when the trumpets call
and our Lord comes on the clouds of the sky
with power and great glory.

On that day
will I run to the caves
and hide among the rocks of the mountains
calling to the mountains and the rocks
to fall on me and hide me
from the face of him who sits on the throne
unable to stand before the wrath of judgement
because of a life lived
for myself.

On that day
will I stand confident amidst the turmoil
passed over by the wrath of judgement
the Spirit himself testifying with my spirit
that I am a child of God
his glory revealed in me
because of a life lived
for him.

Why Be Angry

2009-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Why be angry
with God
when a loved one departs
a parent, a spouse, a child, a friend.

Because of God
never again will they hunger
never again will they thirst
the sun will not beat upon them
nor any scorching heat.

For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd
he will lead them to springs of living water
and God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes.

Angry
at no god
now that would make sense
no purpose, no reason, no justice
just death
a cold, silent end
to meaningless strife.

Be thankful
there is God
and he has prepared a place
for us and our loved ones
and the end of this life
is but a door
to eternal wonder.

Today

2009-10-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Could there be
a better day
than this day
today
glorious
in abundant beauty
joyous
as a song
lifted from the heart
generous
in love
gentle
with kindness
filling the soul
with God's mercy
and grace
oh
could there be
a better day
than this day
today.

Tomorrow

2009-10-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Tired
frustrated
a bit agitated
on edge.

Disillusioned
befuddled
disappointed
let down.

Humbled
contrite
remorseful
and solemn.

Maybe tomorrow
things
turn around.

Praise God
thank God
pray
his will
be done.

Addiction

2009-10-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

I did it
again
didn't want to
pledged not to
declared it
a thing of the past
but
tempted
by a thought
a glimmer, a glimpse
I said
no
not this time
but time
sapped
my resolve
and I pondered
considered
maybe once more
I said no
then said yes
and I fought
with
myself
until finally
JUST DO IT
get it over with
done
and so
I did it
again
where and when
will it
end.

Gratification

2009-10-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

What I take from the world
and bring into my heart
is not as gratifying as
what I take from my heart
and send into the world.

Contentment

2009-10-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

In the deepest chambers
of my heart
beneath the happiness
of things gone right
beneath the sadness
of things gone wrong
lies a rock bed
of quiet contentment
set in a firm foundation
of unshakable assurance
forged from the knowledge
of
Jesus Christ.

Knowledge

2009-10-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

It is good to know
a skill and trade
it is good to understand
the economics of life.

It is good to know
imagination and creativity
it is good to know
the beauty of life.

It is good to know
joy and sorrow
it is good to know
the richness of life.

It is better to know
our Lord and Savior
it is better to know
the truth of life.

Will I

2009-09-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

When the hurt and deeply wounded
come looking to be healed
will I tell them about Jesus
will I lead them to the Christ?

When the doubting and distrustful
come searching for the truth
will I tell them about Jesus
will I lead them to the Christ?

When the lonely and forgotten
come wanting joy and love
will I tell them about Jesus
will I lead them to the Christ?

Or will I have a hardened heart
turn away without a care
send them on their way again
and tend to my own affairs.

Oh Lord, I pray
please fill my mind with your wisdom
please fill my heart with your love
so that when the lost come calling
I will tell them about Jesus
I will lead them to the Christ.

Macaroni Salad

2009-09-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

The water came to a rolling boil
while a 12 year old girl lie dying from a stray drive-by shooting
and our teen-aged son begged to go practice driving.

The elbow noodles cooked
while an illegal immigrant faced deportation
and the family voted on where to vacation.

The celery, onions, eggs, and peppers were diced together
while the children three doors down hid from their drunken father
and our younger ones quarrelled over which games they preferred.

The mayo, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper were blended
while a young woman walking alone was raped and left for dead
and we debated subscribing to cable, or satellite instead.

The ingredients were all brought together
while an uncertain unwed mother agonized over her choices
and we backed the car out of the garage
suddenly stopped
and shared a laugh
over the potential embarrassment
of arriving at the fellowship meeting
without the macaroni salad.

My Daughter's Hand

2009-09-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

There was a time
when I would hold
my daughter's little hand
and we shared a world
of joy and laughter
purpose and fulfillment.
Now my daughter
holds the hand
of a younger man than I
and shares with him
that joy and laughter
purpose and fulfillment.
I hold the hand
of a memory
and try to understand
there was a time
when I would hold
my daughter's little hand.

Planned Parenthood

2009-09-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome
feel at ease
we can help you with your
problem
and it will be
our little secret
no one else will need to know.
The process itself
is a simple one
really
with some dilating
and insertion
some cutting
and dismemberment
some crushing
and some suction
and just a short time later
your problem is off your mind
and in the
incinerator.
We seldom lose a patient
and a problem seldom
remains
and as for psychological ramifications
well
just remember
we are here
rainy days and sunny
and if you decide
we are your choice
please
don't forget the money.

Share an Easy Smile

2009-08-05T05:19:00.000-07:00

Can I sit with you
for a moment or two
and talk about
pleasant things
and share an easy smile
because my thoughts are heavy
with concerns
I can not control
and my heart aches
for wounds
I can not heal
and my eyes weep
at suffering
I can not ease
and my soul cries
for freedom from
chains
I can not break
and before it all
becomes too much
and before I am
overwhelmed
can I sit with you
for a moment or two
and talk about
pleasant things
and share an easy smile?

Gone

2009-07-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

The laugh in her smile, the quiver of her frown, the tone of her voice, the manner of her speech, the expression in her eyes, the shape of her face, the fullness of her mouth, the curve of her lips, the turn of her neck, the slope of her shoulders, the sweep of her arms, the grace of her hands, the touch of her fingers, the trim of her nails, the fullness of her breasts, the sway of her hips, the length of her stride, and the gentleness of her step perfectly complimented the desires of my heart, and each day I basked in the joy of her presence.

Then she was gone, leaving a void that would not fold itself back into the tapestry of life but stood before me as a yawning chasm of lonely emptiness, haunting me with memories of who she was and what she meant to me, chastising me over my lack of courage to have embraced her more fervently, to have pleased her more passionately, and to have loved her more urgently.

I cried to the heavens to take from me the ache in my heart but the heavens were silent, and I begged the hands of time to ease my pain but the only reply concerning relief from my sorrow, "Not today, perhaps tomorrow."

Ascent

2009-07-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Murmuring muddled voices percolate from familiar lairs of sheltered indifference hidden in the dark, dank cracks and crevices below, mocking this aborted ascent and coaxing a return to an iniquitous past and its inconsequential malaise.

Hope and determination, born in the faith from a calling in Jesus Christ to rise from the shadows and shine in his light, have become hopelessly entangled in clinging vines of doubt and indecision, now desperately clutching a narrow ledge of fear and uncertainty, and facing an imminent defeat whose only term of surrender is an abhorrent descent into that passionless pit of godless existence.

"Climb higher," Christ calls, his words commanding thoughts and echoing off of heartbeats to the deepest reaches of the soul, reminding that salvation through his redemptive blood has secured an undeniable purpose determined at the dawn of all creation, and as faith finds courage in his strength, focus returns to the summit and resumption of the ascent.

Restored

2009-02-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

I walked with the faith of a child, hope abounding and wonder in all the world around. Joy and laughter cartwheeled beneath beautiful rainbows arching over sunlit fields of lavender, lilacs, and wood-rush. Peace and reassurance danced hand-in-hand beneath canopies of adoring stars.

Curiosity called from beyond a hedgerow, hinting of tempting adventure beyond my youthful valley. A confusing, meandering course left me lost alone in a bleak world of thorny thickets where a cold, angry wind blew harsh beneath dark, storm-filled clouds. A sneering pack of unrelenting bitterness and sorrow circled and mocked, gnashing and snapping over a feast of destruction. Despair and desperation pulled and prodded, plotting a mournful end in a black, bottomless pit of hopelessness.

Then you loved me. Reaching tenderly for my frightened hand, you saw beyond my wretchedness to the arching rainbows and canopies of stars patiently waiting in a forgotten place and time. Understanding and comfort slowly and soothingly stood a hesitant and faltering gait on steadfast footing. Gentleness and faithfulness nourished a starved and naked soul. And at my side you walked with me, restored, through the thorny thickets, beyond the hedgerow, and into a once abandoned world of joy and laughter, peace and reassurance, and love.

You Are

2009-01-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

You are the grace and the beauty,
the tranquility and the song.

You are the blossom in blooming,
the laughter and the joy.

You are the sunlight and the rainbow,
the spirit and the wind,

You are the warmth and the passion,
the excitement and the flame.

You are,
the love of my life.

Whenever You Are Near

2009-01-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Whenever you are near to me my heart smiles and my soul laughs out loud,
      rejoicing in the transcendent beauty of love.

Whenever you are near to me my spirits rise and my passions flame,
      awakening to a new promise of life.

Whenever you are near to me my mind swirls and my thoughts blur,
      searching for sense in emotions beyond my own understanding.

Whenever you are near to me,
      I want to hold you even nearer.

I Thought I Knew

2009-01-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

I thought I knew what I was doing when I did the things I used to do, and I did not think there was anything anyone else could say or do to make me feel any different. Then one day you did something that no one had ever done before and, once you had done that, I discovered there was a way of doing things that was different from the way I had been doing things and I realized that the way I had been doing things was contrary to the way things should be done. Now I do things differently, and everything I do is done in a better way because now whatever I do, I do it with love, and love is a better way, which is something I would have never known if you had not done what you did when you brought love into my life.

My Heart Smiled

2009-01-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

I awoke to wireless reports of mayhem and anxieties. I travelled to work in a congestion of noisy traffic jams, clattering cattle cars, and immobile subterranean shuttles. I raced the clock to meet deadlines and commitments. I was belittled, besmirched, and nearly beheaded by bottom line boasting bosses. I labored through daylight and slumped beneath stars.

I finally ventured homeward and though haggard and weary, tired and trodden, through it all my heart smiled, thinking of you.

Everything About You

2009-01-15T10:16:00.001-08:00

There is music in your voice
     and laughter in your eyes.
There is tenderness in your touch
     and warmth in your embrace.
There is grace in your footstep
     and gentleness in your walk.
There is beauty in your smile
     and wonder in your kiss.
There is everything about you
     that fills my heart with love.

What I Want Most

2009-01-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

What I want most is to walk hand in hand with you to the highest mountain top, far above the cluttered world that only seems to keep us apart. I want to walk with you through sheltering clouds that keep us in a world to ourselves. I want to shout out loud and listen to the echo repeat over and over, "I love you, I love you, I love you."

What I want most is to know you love me. I want to know there is a forever, and forever our love will last.

Complete and Full

2009-01-12T11:40:00.000-08:00

My love for you is complete and full. It consumes my heart and spreads through the corridors of my soul like the soft glow of candlelight chasing away the darkness of lonliness.

My life, my self, my very being I live to share with you. As each day passes, my desire grows stronger and stronger, for the love you send in return lifts me to unlimited heights, inspiring me to reach for the best in life.

Your love is the torch igniting my passion. It is the feast for which I will forever starve. You are the answer to all my prayers, hopes, and dreams. I love you with all my heart.

Your Love

2009-01-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Your love has lifted me from the morass and tedium of everyday life weighing like a heavy anchor on so many lonely souls. Your love has cut loose my own anchor of doubt and despair, freeing me to reach for all I desire. Your love has unlocked the chambers of my heart and released into my spirit the happiness of being alive and in love.

Your love is the sun nourishing my soul. It is the spark to my spiritual fire. Your love enflames me with passion and desire. It fills me with hope, strength, and courage. Your love tells me I am alive.

Unmistaken

2009-01-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

When I wake in the mornings, my thoughts are filled with images of you. You are never the same, always hinting at the promise of a new and scintillating excitement. The more I know you, the louder my heart beats for you. A look, an embrace, a kiss from you are my fondest pleasures.

When I hold you close, so close your heart beats inside my own, I feel our very souls embrace. I am complete, for my happiness is as one with its source. My love for you is unmistaken, for there is no mistaking what is true in my heart.

Beautiful Visions

2009-01-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

When I am alone, my thoughts drifting through my memories like feathers in the mist, I wrap myself in a shroud of beautiful visions, and spend time thinking of you.

I hear your radiant smile laugh with the promise of joy. I taste your tears wash away the bitterness of disappointment. I startle at the scent of your mysterious privacy, and I delight at the touch of your dance. I see the passionate excitement in your hushed voice, and I feel the inseperable love of two souls sharing a great discovery.

I think of you, and I am no longer alone.

A Thousand Dreams

2009-01-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

I crossed a barren, desolate expanse fraught with dark depressions falling sharply into the inky blackness of bottomless depths. I cut a swath through an enclosing thicket of fallen dreams and broken hearts. I swam a sea of muck and mire, struggling against a great tide of suffocating indifference. I scaled towering peaks with jagged rocks poised to bleed my heart of the very desire that ultimately carried me to the summit.

I came to a garden rich with the tantalizing sounds of whispered breaths. I drew from a well of endless love and tasted the sweetness of fulfilled promises. I rested on a soft cloud of tenderness, blanketed by petals of comforting reassurance.

I dreamed a thousand dreams. In each, I followed my heart to you.

Love at First Sight

2009-01-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

If some pronosticator of great renown, or a mystical soothsayer peering into a crystal ball, had knowingly spoken such a notion into my life I would have scarcely believed them, for what they would have proffered as foreknowledge I would have dismissed as mere fodder for legendary tales or whimsical daydreams, reserved for fantasy followers and those who walk the edge of other worlds.

Then my gaze caught the glimmer of eternal beauty reflected in the depths of your eyes, and what had been for me indiscernible, in an instant became real and undeniable. It was sudden and without warning, taking the shape and form of a promise once given but long ago forgotten. Your soul called to me with a soft, sweet, gentle song of a peaceful, tranquil come-hither. Your essence whispered a fragrance of reassuring touches as it swirled through my senses, intoxicating me with a new awareness of life as it was meant to be lived. It was but a moment in time, but it was a moment transcending all measure of time.

I saw you, and I discovered the impossible truth of love at first sight.

Obsession

2009-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

At first it was but a distant speck at the farthest horizons of my imagination. A seemingly insignificant wisp of a dream, destined to be swept away by the rush of life, it gradually grew to consume more and more of my conscience. It became a lingering companion, constantly drifting through my thoughts. It became a habit, something to be pursued. I began to look for it, wait for it, expect it with a tingle of excitement.

Now it is an obsession, a stirring desire. It has entwined itself with the very fibers of my soul. It has become the focus of all my thoughts and actions. I am prisoner to the spell of your love.

I Know of a Place

2009-01-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

I know of a place unremarkable in style and stature. It draws not so much as a glance from casual passers-by. It is the destination of not a single royal entourage. It does not embrace the grandeur of a significant architectural style, nor does it reflect the tastes of a particular social influence.

It is simple and plain, nothing more than shelter from the storm, yet it is the place for which I always long. It is the chosen end to all my wandering paths. It is where my sweet love waits for me.