Upward Spiral

 

 

Upward Spiral

Round and round

Rising, falling

Up and down

 

A joy filled life

So full of faith

I know my purpose

I’m on my way

 

I envision a path

So simple and straight

The destination is holy

So, this path I will take

 

But the longer I travel

The more I suspect

That the path is not straight

It’s cyclical, and complex

 

I’m climbing a hill

Then temptation sets in

And a downward slide

Starts to begin

 

At first so small

Judgmental glance

Being called to help

But dismissing the chance

 

Distractions abound

Emotions take charge

The need for attention

Grows so large

 

This desire to please

to receive, to achieve

This selfish perspective

Will I ever be free?

 

So downward I curve

Caught up in the moment

Routine taking over

Faith not a component

 

Still happy and busy

But what is this weight?

Priorities slipping

Until it’s too late

 

Intentional sin

Though I’m fully aware

Of the right thing to do

I simply don’t care

 

I act in my interest

Gratification is swift

Faith isn’t tangible

So, nothings amiss

 

But something inside

Cries out from my soul

Latches onto my heart

And begins to pull

 

My conscience grows bolder

Till it can’t be denied

I admit I am slipping

Down the slope of lies

 

The process is painful

My pride is subdued

I will have to surrender

For my soul to be renewed

 

I drag myself there

Force on humility

“Bless me father for I have sinned”

I am down on my knees

 

I lay it all out

Confess to my wrongs

Penance. Absolution.

Forgiveness so strong

 

My conscience can rest

As the spiraling curve

Springs me up to a peak

That I do not deserve

 

Looking out on the path

Renewed and elated

I see one more completed spiral

My soul satiated

 

As the pattern continues

I reflect on the past

And see slow upward progress

On my spiraling path

 

Though this way is exhausting

With constant falls and repentance

It must be God’s design

To reward faith’s perseverance.