Return

 Lent has arrived

And you smear our foreheads with ashes

To remind us that our body is finite

And that we will one day return to dust.

But our soul is eternal

And when we take our last breath

We will stand before You and in our judgment

So we shouldn't waste our days.

It is Lent,

You ask us to return to the Father

Let us observe our soul, 

Actions, thoughts, and words.

And if there is something 

that is driving away from  following your steps

If we have taken a path 

where your footprints are not seen

Then it's better

To go look for you and as you say

Cutting off the hand if it's a cause of sin.

Or gouge out our eye if he does the same.

And no, you're not asking us to be mutilated.

You ask us to repent and walk away

Of those occasions that lead to sin.

And yet You love us,

And You hope we return to Your arms,

And you go find us

To bring us back to the flock.

I once wrote in my bedroom:

"I've been found"...

And You returned me to Your flock,

To follow in Your footsteps,

To sleep in your lap.