Not Yet Home

“Jesus told her, ‘Do not cling to me,’” 

I read with much distress.

Why You wanted Mary gone from You, 

I didn’t have a guess.

“I’ve not ascended to my Father,” 

You continued on,

“But go tell them where I’m going: 

To our Father and our God.”

With that I stopped, looked up at You 

In sorrowful dismay.

All she wanted was to hold You… 

So why send her away?

She attended to Your Cross,

While Your friends served You betrayal.

So why subject this flower

To a heartbreak beyond fatal?

I waited for Your answer 

And feared I, too, would be dismissed.

But in the dark, You spoke to me

Instructing me with this:

My daughter, go and tell our friends

The salvation I have authored!

But recall I went ahead of you

To dwell with God, Our Father.

My sister, this is not the side 

of heaven we belong.

It is not where you’ll remain in Me,

And sing the Song of Songs.

My bride, look all around you

At this world you’ve come to love.

I filled your days with these good things

To prepare for life above!

The moment passed, and I came to,

And thanked You for Your lesson.

I pondered all my blessings here

And how each points to heaven.

The duties of my state in life

Help build my mind and skill.

But the sweetest fruit they yield is that 

I learn to do Your Will.

I care for friends and family

More deeply than before.

But when I seek Your friendship,

You insist You're so much more.

Good men may come, and most will go

And one may stay ‘til death.

But his embrace gives way to Yours

As I take my final breath.

‘Tis not evil to delight in these,

For love is not a waste.

But You’ve pressed forever in our hearts

So these are but a taste. 

Indeed, we are made one 

Through Your Flesh and Blood which feeds me.

But this union will not last until

From earthly ties You free me

So I won’t rush, nor dread the day

You call me to Your side.

You await me there in heaven

Where, in You, I will abide. 

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