Waves of Sorrow and Grace

Some nights, I find freedom in a pile of dirty dishes

As long as my hands can move, I can lose myself

Lose my fears, lose my hurt, lose my weariness.

Each dish cleaned is a wish made for my mind

A prayer for my King to rinse me

and leave me like these plates.

[A reflection His creativity even in my misery]

That’s not always the case though,

Sometimes I’m just afraid.

I’m scared that if I dare to slow down,

sorrow will drown me like that wave

I can imagine those Japanese people seeing that thing and not knowing what to do except run as quickly as humanly possible; I feel the same.

You know the worst part about being a loner?

Dying by yourself.

It doesn’t make any sense, but somehow,

I can still do that in a community house.

 Save me, O God,

for the floodwaters are up to my neck.

 Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;

I can’t find a foothold.

I am in deep water,

and the floods overwhelm me.

 I am exhausted from crying for help;

my throat is parched.

My eyes are swollen with weeping,

waiting for my God to help me.

-Psalm 69: 1-3