Joyful Ruins

Start at the beginning

my friends

You’ve worn the chain

of works

rules

duties

around your neck

all your life

that is not Christ

that is man

who laid that on you

Let go of what you’ve learned

of striving

serving without being filled

release the laws

of musts

shoulds

the Savior does not offer

guilt or shame

nor indifference

towards yourself

Return to Him

in the place He starts

with pure Love

arms outreached

embracing

belonging

not because you followed a rule

or saved souls

not because you ignored yourself

and served the world

but simply because

you turned to Him

in search of what

is missing

worn out

confused

hurting

lonely

Whatever state

you are in

perhaps even

wallowing in sin

His eyes shine on you

with tenderness and love

that is where we must begin

if not with Love

then we have missed

who Christ was and is

and is to come

Love came down

Love died

Love rose again for you

Begin there

immerse yourself in that place

because without it

this walk with Christ

will be empty

directionless

and exhausting

Wherver you began

with Christ

be it forced

or from guilt

whether it has lead you away

disillusioned or

dry

you can turn around now

you can rebuild

by receiving His unconditional love

for you

Stay there always

for it is from His love

you will learn

to move

breathe

live

dance

love

and yes,

even work and serve

but from grace

and freedom

rather than duty

and restriction

So start there

Start with

His Love

today