Stop banging on the door--
such a racket you make!
You shove with your shoulder--
it doesn't yield.
You rattle and twist the knob--
it refuses to open.
What do you imagine waits on the other side?
Why so desperate to go through?
Ah, I see; it's peace you seek, yes? wholeness, too?
God's very self?
I understand your frustration.
All of it feels out of reach, correct?
Do me a favor:
just for a minute, stop.
Stop bruising yourself.
Stop banging your knuckles raw.
Just stop.
Catch your breath.
Now turn around.
What do you see?
You've been on the inside all along.
You are already with God.
You're already surrounded by peace.
You're already whole.
All this is true,
but you've been imagining its opposite.
You are immersed in God;
God is immersed in you.
This is what's real.
Live in this reality.
It may take a while, but slowly, slowly, you will awaken.
Your bruises and scrapes will heal.
Then you will open the door for others,
effortlessly, joyously, arms wide in welcome.
Whose hand will be on the knob?
Yours? God's? Of course! Yes!
Text and image © 2022 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.
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