The Race

incessantly
seeking
Unity's perfection
born through
Graciousness
Divinity's
quid pro quo-
Infinite Union for
ego's finite
obsessions-
Love's gentle proposal
proves daunting
for my list is
endless
each a fortress
defended by
pitiful constructions of
a fallen nature
trust-
ever an issue-
control
a barricade
when promises have
invisible rewards and
past disappointments
weave doubt and fear
into my
mystical defense-
a reluctance
to accept
dependent returns or
imagination's
dire consequences
but Passion's
extremist Love
proves indefensible
penetrating my
heart's armor by
Revelation's Reality
too intimate
too true
too real
to deny-
only then is
liberty's progress
traveling further in
and higher up by
handing over
precious treasures
both seen and unseen for
the Pearl of great price
each decision
a battle
each battle
a war
yet Grace encapsulates
the challenge
yielding Peace's
gradual transformation
into Joy's parusia
yet
temptation
persists each day to
close my hand
or
withdraw my offer of
surrender
ever contending
within life's
outward display
until release is
captured without fanfare
a decision of dying to
self's enthronement-
the tyranny of
ego's dominion-
running the race of
redemption with
perseverance
one step closer
into His Likeness
realized in
delicate measures

Reflection/Discussion:
-What does "Divinity's quid pro quo" mean?
-Are "trust" and "control" an issue in your life? How?
-What does ongoing conversion mean in your life?
-What are some of the ways you die to "self's enthronement"?
-What are some your difficulties to "running with perseverance"?
-How can you find and give support in your walk with the Lord?
-What does "realized in delicate measures" mean?