Turn Aside to See

When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

Exodus 3:4

The door to the cheese shop is sparkling
The pedestrian crosswalk is shimmering
I turn aside to see
As you walk away from me.

I parked in this spot
A long time ago
To drop off a friend who thought
I needed to know.

The fears I had for you
Were come true
It’s too late are the words
That stuck to.

The tree-lined street
Was dark that day
As all my hopes
Fell away.

But today!
Here I am again
Bringing you to help
That same dear friend.

Fear for you
Has been replaced
With joy and hope
No more disgrace.

You walk in peace
Rescued, redeemed
Transformed my child
Nothing is as it once seemed.

I turn aside
And look long at the place
I once sat in sorrow
Tears on my face.

I turn aside
And peer into the flames
That today clearly have no
Power to maim.

I turn aside
And listen deep
I can hear the Voice
Of All I need.

He calls my name
Here I am!
Forgive me for doubting
The Great I Am.

by Audrey Frank

Lord, make us willing to turn aside and see the burning bushes in our lives, that we may hear You calling our names. Amen.

Photo by Bernd Schulz on Unsplash