While I Was Watching...

While I was watching...

Our church like many others,
Has the Easter custom of a cross,
Decorated with flowers
A marriage of the "lamb slain
From the foundation of the world,"
And the springing vitality of his creation.

The cross is a place to take a picture
and make a memory.
I sat with my cane beside me and watched.
A large family, some members present
Only because of the special day.
Another large family,, gathered from
Far places to comfort aging parents.
Sometimes just one person, alone
Because of distance or death.

And I wondered
What about those who have come
Just because, "It's what you do." or
"We did when I was a kid."
"Or it will please Mom or Dad."

The blood-bought salvation, and
The Holy Spirit's witness of adoption,
Unknown and so unsought.

But what right have I to guess at whats in a heart?
Since I don't know, I ask
"The Spirit to pray through me,
in sighs too deep for words,
yet acceptable to God,"
That the memory, or habit, or impulse
That brought them there, shall be nurtured,
By those around, who know the Spirit
And "feel the blood" until blooms in their hearts.

And now, I pray the ancient collect
for purity of heart, mine and their's,

Almighty God, unto whom
all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid,
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit.
That we may perfectly love thee and
worthily magnify thy Holy Name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.