Love (III)

Still trying to get my bearings again after traveling, I thought I’d just share one of my very favorite poems.  I cherish the beautiful mercy of Christ that these lines express, and can relate so well to the feelings of unworthiness before such amazing love…   

Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lacked anything.

"A guest," answered I, "worthy to be here."
Love said, "You shall be he."
"I, the unkind, ungrateful?  Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on Thee."
Love took my hand and smiling did reply,
"Who made the eyes but I?"

"Truth, Lord, but I have marred them;
Let my shame go where it doth deserve."
"And know you not," says Love, "Who bore the blame?"
"My dear, then I will serve."
"You must sit down," says Love, "and taste My meat."
And I did sit and eat.

George Herbert