Only five days of April left. If I’m going to meet the Poetry challenge I set for myself this month, I’m going to have to write a poem every one of those five days! This poem was inspired by my little Magnolia tree. In the process of putting in our new home, we had to take down a very large Pine Tree. Despite the care taken by the men removing the tree, part of it landed on this Magnolia when it fell, splitting it right in half. Of course, I (the negative Nellie I am) knew it was going to die for sure. As often happens, I was proven wrong. As I was admiring the blooms this spring it struck me that despite being broken and thought dead, it is bathed in beauty and living up to its potential! That got me thinking about myself and how I offer up a lot of excuses why I can’t (or won’t) follow through on what I believe God is calling me to do and thus not really living up to my potential. And so, this poem was born. As I began to write, lessons I’m learning in a study of the book: “Come With Me” by Suzanne Eller also became woven into the poem….Maybe, just maybe you can relate to it too.
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)
Follow
We might be broken.
We might be bruised.
But that doesn’t mean
We can’t be used.
Too old? Too Young?
We really shouldn’t care.
We’re all given gifts
That only we can share.
A look at our calendars
There just isn’t space.
We say we’ll try again next time
Then resume our busy pace.
Who me? Surely not!
Isn’t she a better fit?
I could never do what you’re asking
It’s out of my comfort zone just a bit!
We have lots of excuses
When God’s voice we hear.
He’s calling us to action.
What is it that we fear?
When Jesus called the disciples
They answered without looking back.
He promised to be with them
And what they needed they wouldn’t lack.
It’s the same today, my friends
He calls; “Come with Me”!
So, up out of your chair, off your phone,
Answer yes and you’ll see.
Despite all our worries
And reasons to say no,
We have love beyond measure
And seeds of kindness to sow.
The thirteenth disciple
That is our place.
The hands and heart of Jesus
Sharing His grace.
Time is short, the need great.
No more delay!
He’s calling us to follow
Will you walk with Him today?
** You can learn more about Suzanne Eller at http://www.suzanneeller.com