.
I didn’t think my appearance suitable, especially after walking for miles to get there to see You.
So I hopped the locked back gate and slipped in through the cracks.
I longed to sit for a while at the green pastures and rest by the still waters…
They told me my torn tights, smudged face, and tangled hair were not fit to be seen by anyone of merit, least of all You.
I strained to glimpse you, missing your face as I was near-sighted. Your voice, too, was muddled as I was so distanced.
Try as I might to stay invisible to others while straining my ears in Your direction, the looks of those who saw me were almost unendurable to my pride.
Scorn and derision were plain. Yet I was desperate.
One tried to absentmindedly wipe a smudge, sighing when it persisted, resigned, realizing it was part of my essence.
I was just about to turn back for home, weary amid the searing eyes, when it happened.
You called to me.
You walked on past those who had a front row seat as usual, and…
You saw me.
You SAW ME and invited me to your side.
You saw my holey, torn tights, by now almost in shards from the journey and my incessant tugging.
You gave me a drink of water, washed my dirty feet with gentleness and did not rush.
A rare Peace fell over me. A deep love filled my Spirit.
You looked deeply into my eyes and said quietly, “Now show this Love.”
I left my filthy tights in a pile near you and I walked back, bare-legged, comfortable, and indubitably loved…
Just as I was.
Just as I am.
I walked through the back gate, leaving the latch undone for the next weary traveler, to come
Just as you are.
