Years Ago

Years ago, beyond my memory,

my father stood with his arms outstretched.

With his words of encouragement,

I reached for him,

and, with exhilaration in eyes and breath,

I took my first steps —

from infancy to childhood.

Years ago, faded in my memory,

my father stood with his arms outstretched.

With his words of encouragement,

I looked to him,

and, with exhilaration in eyes and breath,

I caught my first fish by myself —

from childhood to adolescence.

Years ago, recent in my memory,

my father stood with his arms outstretched.

With his words of encouragement,

I embraced him,

and, with exhilaration in eyes and breath,

I departed on my own journey —

from adolescence to adulthood.

Years ago, still fresh in my memory,

my father stood with his arms outstretched.

With his words of encouragement,

I imitated him,

and, with exhilaration in eyes and breath,

I trusted and submitted to the One-Who-Is —

from adulthood to sonship.

Love… love… love, never counting the cost.

Present now, no need for my memory,

my Father stands with His arms outstretched.

With His words of encouragement,

I bow before Him,

and, with exhilaration in eyes and breath,

I desire and ask for the enlarging of my heart —

now and forevermore.

July 19, 2015

Michael Winn