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The Father's Love

In a brief break from studying Robert Browning's Poetry, for my A Level teaching in September, I am inspired to add a second poem. This one was written for a service at church with the theme 'The Father's Love'. If you like it, let me know!


The Father’s Love

 

I want to cry today.

I want the pain and exhaustion of life to go away.

I want to hide under the bed and never come out.

I want to lie on the floor

and throw a tremendous tantrum,

let all the anger, hurt and disappointment out,

in heaving, shuddering sobs.

And God, compassionate Father, gently says,

“I will comfort you,

And turn your mourning into dancing.”

 

I want to be noticed today.

I want the people who ask how I am,

whilst dashing through the nearest doorway,

to stop,

and actually, really care.

I want someone to acknowledge my efforts,

praise me for my progress,

love me for who I am,

understand what is going on in this mixed-up mind.

And God, attentive Father, reminds,

“I see your comings and goings.

I delight over you with singing.”

 

I need to know the future today.

I don’t want my children to be ill, out of sorts,

badly behaved, unemployed.

I want my bank balance to be positive,

to know I can pay the next bill.

I need to be sure there is meaning

in the chaos and craziness of this daily sprint race.

And God, trustworthy Father, declares

“I have a future and a hope for you.”

 

I want to forget the past today.

I want the regrets and disappointment,

the hurts done to and by me,

to fade into the background,

and not keep resurfacing to ruin

my peace, my joy.

I need the monsters in the closet to clear off,

so I can take a break from trying to bar the door,

to stop them from exploding back onto the scene.

I don’t have the energy for that today.

And God, peace-bringing Father affirms, “You are my child,

bought with a price,

set free by the blood of my Son,

and who the Son sets free is free indeed.”

 

I want to dance today.

I want the world to know

that I read my Bible, achieved my goal,

got a glowing report,

repaid a harsh word with kindness,

uncovered a spiritual truth,

did not lose my rag, when my toddler lost his.

And God, adoring Father, whispers, “I am the one,

who brings you into this spacious place.

I deliver you because I am pleased with,

And delight in you.”

 

I am your Father.

Trust me.

I created the universe, yet I know you by name.

Trust me.

I rejoice over you.

Trust me.

I long for you to cry out to me, so I can do

all you need me to do in your life.

Trust me.

I am patient and slow to anger.

Trust me.

I forgive you. I see only Jesus, when I look into your heart.

Trust me.

 

So cry, shout, sob, stamp,

ponder the future, recall the past,

have good days, as well as bad,

but know

that I am in all and through all,

see all, know all,

rejoice over you, as a delighted Father,

who loves you more than you could ever know.

Nothing is impossible for me,

And I am enough for you.

 

G. Tennant

12th July 2013

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