Convicting Words

This poem appears at the end of chapter 2; a chapter that challenges the reader (at least it challenged me) to wonder about the motivation for our actions. There is a lot of truth in this poem.

Don't struggle and strive so, my child,
There is no race to complete, no point to prove, no obstacle course to conquer for you to win my love.
I have already given it to you.
I loved you before creation drew its first breath.
I dreamed you as I molded Adam from the mud.
I saw you wet from the womb.
And I loved you then.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Stop racing ahead at your own pace, you will only be exhausted, flamed out, and spent before the task is accomplished.
Pace yourself with me, walk alongside me.

Do you think I don't know the demands of your life?
I see you striving for perfection, craving my acceptance.
I see you bending yourself out of shape to conform to the image that you have of me.
Do you imagine that I did not know who you were when I made you, when I knit you together in your mother's womb?
Do you think I planted a fig tree and expected roses to bloom?
No child, I sowed what I wanted to reap.

You are a child after my own heart.
Seek out your deepest joy and you will find me there.
Find that which makes you most perfectly yourself and know that I am at the heart of it.
Do what delights you and you will be working with me,
Walking with me, finding your life hidden in me.

Ask me any question.
My answer is love.
When you want to hear my voice, listen for love.
How can you delight me? I will tell you. Love.
The tough, unbreakable, unshakable love. Are you looking for me?
You will find me in love.
Would you know my secrets? There is only one: Love.
Do you want to know me?
Do you yearn to follow me?
Do you want to reach me?
Seek and serve love.