Leaving behind an echo of praise

My boots dug their heels into the crowd of leaves covering the back patio as the tears clung to my eyelashes in vain. There is no use denying it anymore. I took my last steps through my childhood house. Scanning my eyes across the backyard, the memories pushed and shoved to steal my attention. Sledding down the hill with Neil and Kim. Tossing cornhole with my friends. Watching Oliver strut across the patio. Hearing Dad call my name from the bottom of the basement steps. Mom's hugs. The more I remembered, the more I felt relieved that the sad song my heart was singing wasn't playing to the melody of a place but of a time that is now past.

As my feet crossed the threshold of the basement doors, I turned back my head to let the melody of worship bounce off the walls of the empty room, leaving behind an echo of praise to the God who lent us such a place to live and grow.

My foot pressed on the accelerator to lead me forward, and through the veil of tears I could see the ghost of a small girl running up the front yard as I drove away, wildly waving her arms goodbye.

Uncaged

To put the pin on where you've been,
to discover the ingredients
of the recipe previously hidden,

To unwind the tangles in your hair,
to move back from the edge of the chair
and exhale,

Oh, what relief
when the trouble is found
and the soul is unbound.

Once it is named
my growling emotions are tamed
and freedom is gained.

The Autumn Sun

An autumn sun setting behind the bare trees in the cool crisp air
casts a warm glow through the trees and over the field
exhausted from a day of fighting the overcast sky,
he gently lays down to rest with dignity and humility
for he knows that even when he is not shining,
he is still the sun