He Chose You

I walked through the door, as quickly as I could.

A smile on my face, a song on my heart, understood.

A nod to the people, a nod to God as I should.

A slight hesitation when choosing a seat made of wood.

Hello to the energy, hello to the sound.

Hello to the Holy Spirit posturing around us now.

The waves of this Spirit raining down, so profound.

I know everyone should hear it, though I hate looking around.

A prayer, then clapping, a start to the night’s pace.

The greetings came echoing a proud victory,

as the folks around me settle into this place.

All the anxieties and anticipations, they ceased with His embrace.

Then came a song, steady and sweet in perfect unity.

A song that loves our savior to the cadence of harmony.

The voices were scattered but sung as a united melody.

Then, there came the sound of the abundance of rain, sweet serenity.

Out of our seats, most of us did stand.

Swaying and praising, my heart filled up, as joy made its command.

Together in devotion, it was a worship service they had planned.

I stood hesitant in waiting for a gush of eagerness to make a demand.

Suddenly, excitement overtook me, there was no use,

for it’s God’s voice I would choose.

Then I heard “He chose You”.

They said it, again, “He,”

“He!” (To myself).

“Chose,”

“A choice,” (To myself).

“You!” (My ears rang).

The air elevated, I had to take my seat.

Holding tightly to my forearms, I wrapped myself in His release.

Lowering my head, His presence, my heart’s key.

My eyes sealed shut as the rush of eagerness hit my knees.

It’s the sound of thunder, but a whisper that frees.

What a wonderful feeling, Lord.

My soul is being restored.

That you would choose me, Lord?

That’s a destiny reward.

God’s presence turned quiet, in silence, I am still.

It radiated over me, the heat burrowing in my heels, yes, I can feel it still.

My legs were shaking, heart aching, but my nervousness concealed.

This was the peace I had been praying for, Your peace I longed to feel.

Clenching my eyelids tight, my tears dared escape, the muscles in my throat tightened.

My breathing turned into gasping as those words were enlightened.

I promised God I would not fight this.

For my God took the heavy, and my burdens lightened.

(Gasp).

“Father. It’s me, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to keep away.

Father, I know you hear me, I just needed to pray,

I need to lay myself here, as you know, I can’t carry me another day.

I no longer wish to tarry on this path, what should I say?”

(Gasp).

“Fill me up with meaning, and fill me up with joy,

deliver me from my neediness, help me better recognize your voice.

Take me on a journey, Lord. No longer bound by ache.

I’m so tired today, only in your arms, my Lord, I need to take a break.”

(Gasp).

“I don’t know my own intentions, Lord. I’m hesitant to begin.

Here I am desperate for a visit, yearning to hear your voice again.

Even when it’s lonely Lord, help us all not to despair.

Help these folks around me Lord, help us to be people others want to share.

(Gasp).

Father, I love you, I thank you for this care.

You seek me in silence; I seek you in despair.

Thank you for my sanity, though it feels tethered and bare.

Thank you for this body that carries me through life as worry pricks and tears.

(Gulp).

Father, I can hear You near and I thank You for being here.

Thank you for your presence, for choosing me, sincere.

Amen.

-AB-