His Heart, True Home

Traversing the well-trod dirt road to my parents’ home,

I am enraptured by the canopy of trees. 

Their long, majestic lines sway in unison.

Their shimmering toddler-hands greet me relentlessly. 

Their dense lushness conceals melodic songbirds.

The perfect lines of their strong, towering trunks

Dwarf my aging, crooked body, 

Making me feel appropriately small and humbled.

All give testament to One far above,

One Who overshadows them in every way:

Their Creator,

The supreme Forrest-Maker,

The One who spoke this planet into existence.

His presence is palpable now,

For I know Him.

He is the One Who planted within me a distinct yearning

For a place beyond this one:

A place without ugly rancor,

A place above the painful brokenness of this world,

A place of deep, abiding love,

A place of hope-filled contentment,

A place where my soul finds profound, untainted rest,

And a place of healing for this arrogant heart of mine.

I long for a home found only in His heart –

A true home. 

Now dirt road becomes cathedral,

Heaven touches earth,

Walking becomes bowing,

And I am truly home, with Him.

Soli Deo Gloria

Patti McCarthy Broderick

June 2021