The Arrows In The Parking Lot

Another Sunday morning . .
my body fought itself to wake
I pried one eye to open
and saw rain, "for Heavens' sake!"

The blankets seemed to beckon
"just roll over ~ get some sleep"
would the congregation notice
I was absent, "counting sheep?"

I pulled the sheets around me
and tried hard to justify
that I was well - deserving
of this Sunday morn' "shut eye."

But the guilt had quick consumed me
and here was no hope of rest
as I recognized his evil
this was just another test.

Would I pass, or would I fail
what if GOD just slept all day
when I went to Him with prayer requests
Would He even hear me pray?

So I scrambled from the bed sheets
hit the shower and got dressed
drove to church through clouds & raindrops
and, my soul was truly blessed

But there still was something tugging
as the sermon ran too long
like a "tug of war" of self-will
and I knew that it was wrong.

As the service neared conclusion
and the congregation bowed
the pastor made an altar-call
and a hush fell oer' the crowd

Once again I sensed that struggle
as I heard those heed the call
and I knew that I should follow
but continued just to stall.

In my heart I heard Him calling
"come my daughter, kneel and pray"
but that self-will overcame me
I stood up ~ but walked away.

Every step I took was heavy
as I neared the church front door
but, I pushed & stepped outside 
I felt confusion to the core.

But just then, the gray clouds opened
rays of sunlight "Heaven-sent"
and I froze there, almost blinded
as they hit that wet pavement.

As they glistened off the water
one intensely perfect ray
hit the ARROWS in the parking lot
and they pointed just "ONE WAY."

Those yellow painted arrows
shown like Heavens' golden road
so, I turned around & went back
not the rain, but tears that flowed.

As a Christian, we're still human
and those battles will be fought
but, I still thank GOD and Heaven
FOR THOSE ARROWS IN THE LOT.

Jody Harmon
©  copyright  2003
Used with permission...

       There are times when we would all 
       like to stay in bed, "counting sheep"
        As Christians, we are all still human.
       If we remember to keep our faith in
God, and follow the arrows in the
parking lot.
The "greatest value" is.....
God will always love me,and you
Just As I am...

*ZIPLO*