Here, by the cold river’s edge,
I am gathering rocks
of substance,
before the great crossing,
to build an altar of praise to you.
These rocks will cry out
songs of thanksgiving
in gratitude
for your tender mercies,
and faithful, powerful love.
Rocks of remembrance,
piled up, a tumbling tower
meant to mark the wonder
of this one small life
you pulled from the mire
and mercifully set free.
As I wrap arms around each rock,
lift, carry and find it a home
in this crude pillar,
I am remembering you, recounting
with each rock, yet another time
you wrapped arms around me,
lifted, carried and made a place
for me, building a life
where I could dwell with you.
——
Build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones.
Deuteronomy 27:5
From Heaven at my Door by Juanita Ryan
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