Go off the road you know so well,
on to earth and vineyard.
You saw Him there once,
out of the corner of your eye.
As surely as you in your sneakers, it was Him.
Or maybe He’s calling you to a new place.
Run there swiftly,
a swelling heart pulling you up off the earth,
legs still in stride in the air.
Arrive out of breath and holy high,
and wait there, long enough for His timing,
even though you fear the loneliness
(particularly in a place where He’s called you
thus darkness knows He’s coming boldly).
Be faithful and wait.
Even while sinking back down to the dirt,
bandaging busted stitches of old wounds,
the world almost wholly back in your brain,
press back on doubt’s entrance, and wait still.
He’s not late.
Let Him give this to you perfectly!
Remember too, He may not appear as you expect
in robes and sandals and carpentry tools.
Instead you might look up and see,
circling above your very head,
a crow and swallow transform into eagles.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

Poem inspired by my dear friend (and sister!) Tracey Bonanni and her recent Christ encounter. image: Biblioteca del Valldemosa archives.