our names
all
originally written
into
the Book of Life

the days of our living
they ebb and flow
choices
are ours

His choice
was made known
before time began

He allows
our joys and sorrows
to remind us
always

that He is there
always

He is the loving
long-suffering
yearning
Father

the One with aching open arms

encouraging us
to make the choice
to keep our name
in that Book of Life

He never forces us
to choose

our greatest choice

the surrendering

and the kneeling
.................

Cj 2017