Sinking

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Matthew 14:22-33

We are sinking as we reach for
a golden ring, we lose our balance
tumble and break bones missing the goal
failure, after failure
and we sink because we are mortal.

The sunlight floods in and we believe
our own marketing, the hard sells
the possessions we believe make us
sophisticated, untouchable and self-reliant
one step below the Gods.

The storm comes water rising flooding
walls torn down, our sophisticated trinkets
float by, despair opens the door
and we see our real faces for the first time.

Rips tides of stress push us farther
from the shore, we are sinking deeper
we are helpless and afraid crying
Lord, save me, we admit our need.

A hand reaches out, the one always there
the wind calms, the water stop rising
and God's love is known in our sinking
in our storms God is there.