Limping Praise

He walks to the door,

As if he’s just going out with friends.

“Remember, mom, when I couldn’t reach this lock?”

His memory connects with mine.

“Yes, I do,” I say.

The lock clicks,

The door opens,

He steps through.

It’s just an ordinary day.

A little rain.  Cloudy.

“I love you, mom.”

“I love you, too.  Always will.”

“Yeah.”

A good hug.

His laundry bag, shoulder slung,

Was gathered in haste before noon.

His suitcase crammed from college

Is mostly zipped.

His backpack bulges.

He slings shoes, bags,

Belongings

Into the back of Bud’s truck.

My temples pound.

We’d said no.

We said by noon.

We said we love you.

Set loose, our boy finds

A Ford in the storm.

It’s 12:05.

I shut the door.

Pull the lock, click.

Close my eyes.

Sigh.

And weep.

Later,

I remember

Who unlocks hearts,

Breaks chains,

Walks through doors,

Finds lost sheep,

Commands storms,

Makes all things new.

My lock slides.

The door opens.

Clank.

I lift my eyes,

And, limping,

Lamenting,

Grab his hand

And praise.

  

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Inspiration from

“‘I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and go in and out and find pasture.'” John 10:9 ESV

“He who sits on his throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.'” Revelation 21:5 NASB

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39

“‘I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.'” Ezekiel 34:11

“A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!'” John 20:26

“‘I have called you…to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.'” Isaiah 42:6-7

“The Lord your God will circumcise your heats and the hearts of your descendants so that you may love him with all you heart and with all your soul, and live.” Deuteronomy 30:6

“Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord–how much more do human hearts!” Proverbs 15:11