My Own Front Door

This morning, I stumbled upon a surprise

in a way which seemed somewhat absurd;

I wandered outside through my own front door,

finally noticing what had occurred

          several weeks ago, though I had not a clue

          that it had been there all this time;

          there lay on the porch my best stainless steel pan

          filled with firecrackers and dried slime.

The banging of pots and of pans with big spoons

to ring in the new year was so fun.

To be sure that the cracklers would crackle no more,

they were soaked in a pan by someone

          who was thinking ahead, and was careful and smart

          and who knew the porch was made of wood.

          So they left it out there in the cold winter air

          and came in to play games and eat food.

Well, how would I know that my fry pan was there

decorating our front porch with yuck;

I always go out to do this or do that

through our back door which leads to my truck.

          When company comes to the front door, I smile,

          and I open the door at their knocks,

          and bid them come in to our warm cozy house;

          I don’t step out because I’m in socks.

As I pondered and thought about my frying pan

and about how it sat undetected,

it occurred to me how unaware I can be

and how crucial things can be neglected.

          My guests were so kind, as if they didn’t mind

          stepping over this thing to come in.

          Just so, my good friends are forgiving and kind,

          overlooking the fact that I sin.

As I brought the pan in and I scrubbed it all clean,

I implored God to scour my heart;

after all, it’s His house, and it should be kept tidy

to honor Him in every part,

          especially the front door where friendship and love

          enters into my heart through that way;

          my selfishness shouldn’t be there to distract

          them from seeing God’s love on display.

~ae