Daily Devotional for April 23

 

April 23                                                                Matthew 7:7-14

                Admit One

                                    The letter fell
                              Out of fingers numbed
                              By the chance to hold
                                  Again a daughter.
                         The angry echo of insults,
                                            Hatred.
                               Aching, dull knowing
                          That freedom would teach,
                                  Or break forever,
                         The lesson of forgiveness.
                             Seven years from those
                  Young-blurred visions of perfect.
          (Would they ever know each other's part?)
          Careful not to dare expect, she'd waited.
                                  Now, this letter.
       Careful not to dare expect, she wrote reply.
"Yes. Come." She cried. Careful not to dare expect.

Dear Creator,
How many times have I moved away from you in anger or
frustration, not seeing the whole picture clearly, only to return
in sheepish apology sometime later and ask for another chance?
How many times have I received an open-armed response and
gifts beyond my vaguest hopes? When will I learn the patience
and generosity that you have modeled so often? Maybe this
time. Thank you.

​

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989