Renewal

The clematis fell down in the night.
Silently, it tumbled from the wall;
twelve years of rain-saturated, tangled stems
overpowered poorly-anchored supports.
Where once waxy green leaves
gave pleasure all year through,
there is bare wall;
stark in its unfamiliarity,
but rich, mellow brick
ready for new planting.

God, in His mercy,
teaches and encourages
to face re-growth - and renewal.
Just as the tangled, withered stems
had become burdensome,
so the weight of sin
collapsed the framework of my life.
But, the future is like
a newly uncovered wall;
strange to the eye,
but with the rich soil of
God’s love and forgiveness beneath.

Oh God,
Please become the gardener in my life;
replant in your pattern,
draw down my roots into your Word,
so that I may grow strong again
a re-creation founded on deep faith in You.