Those who wander to a distant land,
Drawn by a longing misunderstood,
Follow a path away from home, away from soul’s shelter.
Rocky and muddy, potholes and hills,
The footpath challenges every step.
Bent on self-satisfaction while roaming,
Yearnings for fleeting attractions lure
To a place unknown.
In due time, the stray accumulates filth, disease, pain,
As it attaches and latches
In and around
Body and soul.
Unsettled and still moving further away,
Lacking solace,
Seeking relief—
The road ends.
Barely alive, a cry goes out,
Reaching God’s ears, touching His heart.
A prayer for forgiveness, an offering of grace.
Reasoning returns to the senses.
Love and need flood the body’s core.
Life fills the inner being.
Passion puts one foot in front of the other
Until running in the direction of home.
Meanwhile…….
Those who wait with bated breath on the home front
Suffer anxiety and separation,
Bury pain deep within
While striving for normalcy.
Unexpectedly a sight, a smell
Unveils memories of the wanderer,
Once a sweet innocent child,
And tears flow.
Yearning for reunion, wrapped in a merciful hug,
On and on the wait drags out,
Slumped shoulders, heavy heart
Awaits the return back home.
All the while……
The Lord watches the wanderer.
He understands the one who waits.
He loves both parent and child.
He knows rebellion’s rejection,
His humanity bore agony and grief.
Yet wrapped in divinity, pain He defeated.
Through prayer’s power, He healed.
Gracious mercy poured into lost people.
Peace infused troubled hearts.
Run to Him in your waiting.
Kneel before Him with humility.
Receive love and give thanks in your sadness.
Offer Him a sacrifice of praise,
Even while tears flow.
And wait.
Lift up daily prayers.
Say His Name, Jesus.
Stand on His promises.
Look off in the distance
And wait in love.
One day the vision of your returned prodigal
Will gladden your heart and comfort your soul.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NASB)
"Clean" by Natalie Grant ---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulf4PXuNV3w
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the washing of your sacrificial blood. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the clean dressing of Jesus' robe of righteousness. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the power of your presence in everyday living. In Jesus' holy name, AMEN.