I stepped out onto

the cool flagstone step..

The sun beat me

like an incessant drum.

Roasting the pavement

like the fires of Purgatory..

I looked before me,

I looked behind me,

I looked to my right,

I looked to my left.

The Ancient of Days

Who Is

yesterday

and today

and tomorrow…

tenderly gazed

through the flames…

waiting….

for every penny

to be accounted for.

Not as a stern judge

did He stand..

but, as a kind King

and as One Who

Waits.

Longingly.

He pines for His sheep..

to take them in His arms..

so they can rest forever.