Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Enter (02/27/06)
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TITLE: A Simple Invite | Previous Challenge Entry
By Allen Clupny
03/06/06 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I was takin’ a walk, one fine Sund’y morn,
When I passed by a small steepled church.
Walls needin’ paint and winda’s were cracked,
An old man smilin’ big on the porch.
“How strange,” I thought, peerin’ his way,
“He’s content in that rickety chair.”
Then I noticed him lookin’, squarely at me,
As he waved ta come on over there.
With shiny white teeth, exposed by his grin,
He offered his leathery hand.
He said, “Howdy son! Whatcha doin’ out there?”
“Come on in, give ear ta the band.”
I could feel the brows above my four eyes,
Kinda raise, at his simple invite.
I’ve been in them churches, all raucous and loud
They gave me Oh! such a fright.
With or’gins and gi’tars and drums to boot
It’s more noise than I really can bear.
So politely I said, “No thank ya t’day.”
“The mornin’s simply to fair.”
Suddenly I noticed a strange calmin’ sound,
Of cryin’ and songs a sweet praise.
Then he smiled and spoke, confidently,
“Jo’ful noise, ya hear bein’ raised.”
Now neither’s somethin’ ya hear ever day,
Humble hearts and voices in praise.
“Got to get thar attention! Got to holler and shout!”
I remember from youthful Sundays.
“What’s goin’ on?” I asked the old man
As he rocked at his slow steady pace.
“Just sinners in there with hearts bowed low.”
“Ain’t no one in there savin’ face.”
“Ya see God up above, He don’t wantta sit there,”
“Though His throne room is free from all sin.”
“He’ll call yer heart home, by yer tears-a-joy,”
“That invites Him ta enter on in.”
I liked what he said, though I weren’t quite sure,
Of what, I really might see.
Gettin’ up with a wince, he said with a smile,
“Come on son. Let’s pray on er knees.”
Then he turned the door knob and the hinges they creaked,
As he lead me, through worn wooden doors.
When I looked at him, he pointed and said,
“Over there, there’s a spot on the floor.”
Just hearin’ the sobs and some chucklin’ too,
Had me wonderin’ just what I would say.
With his hand on my back and our knees to the floor
He said, “Son…Just start to pray.”
Well I did just that, “Lord, thanks for the day.”
Then quickly I was outta ideas.
When I felt the tears, well up’my eyes,
Empty words, then turned to pleas.
“For sinning against ya, who created the day,”
“And followin’, my foolish plan.”
“It’s your love, mercy and grace I seek,”
“And the warmth of yer righteous right hand.”
When I got up to leave that small steepled church,
There was voices I heard from outside.
It’s that smilin’ old man, rockin’ his chair,
Givin’ someone a simple invite.
“What’s goin’ on?” She asked the old man,
As he rocked at his slow steady pace.
“Just sinners in there with hearts bowed low.”
“Ain’t no one in there savin’ face.”
“Ya see God up above, He don’t wantta sit there,”
“Though His throne room is free from all sin.”
“He’ll call yer heart home, by yer tears-a-joy.”
“That invites Him to enter on in.”
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Thanks for that. Look forward to hearing from you. With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator and Editor, FaithWriters' Magazine)