In the midst of storms and blessings,
we make these confessions:
we are unworthy,
undeserving,
frail,
weak,
tempted,
often yielding
to the darker impulses
of the flesh that we inhabit.

In the midst of peace and turmoil,
we know that we have often
failed to choose
the path of obedience,
the road of faithfulness,
the course of trust in God
rather than the listings of our own flesh.

In the midst of grace and mercy,
we come, running to God,
arms open,
eyes wide yet tearful,
hearts unafraid and laughing,
knowing that the way of faith
is not justice and wrath,
that the path of holiness
is not walked by our own strength.

We come, running,
leaping into the arms
that have always welcomed us,
caressed by the hands that made us,
held close to the heart of him
who loved us
while we were yet sinners.

H. Arnett
8/18/09