By the woodshed, under the cherry tree, I think of You.
When I look up at the mountain opposite,
as it frames and enhances the land beyond,
I see the Cross – Your Cross, up high.
It stands on the mountain top -
where solitary birds of prey, fly freely.
 
My eyes scan the undulating hills and the emerging flowers of spring…
and my heart leaps for joy.
It dances because it knows You – yes, You, Jesus;
Whose Cross blesses the village below – and yet it knows not,
for its people’s hearts are cold and sad.
 
The birds know, for You, God, created them
but we, fallen man, we sinfully sought You.
We made the Creator’s Son, the Son of Man, our prey –
we shredded, victimised and killed Him.
 
The land is warm now,
for the amazing sun spreads its heat over all living things -
which thrive and celebrate life.
And You are that Life!
 
I'm still under the cherry tree.
The blossom has not yet flowered, for we’re early in the season
and frost still covers the morning green.
 
But nothing’s too late – for everything is drawn to the Father’s arms.
His love draws life and everything grows, if we let it -
and NOW is the time.
 
The Cross is life to those who believe. Do you want to live on,
like a new springtime...or die in the ignorance of pride and denial?
Your choice! But now is the time.
 
Julie Hughes © 2019
 
Inspired by the Outreach event for Little Way Healing Ministries
 in Southampton, 2 March 2019