For Rowdy Christians Everywhere

by Dave Schultz

Open the Door

  Upon rough mountains I met men who had laughter

  in their heart, and holy triumph in their spirit,

  who with strong hands pointed out the path towards worship

  Though I arrived there steeped in my steaming sorrow,

  I left suspecting that they spoke of true wonders,

  hoping to hear Wisdom’s whisper if I listened.

  In teeming cities a single maiden listened

  to my confession. She turned tears into laughter,

  promising pardon and all salvation’s wonders.

  Inspired, I wanted to redeem my own spirit,

  but found all efforts could not stop death and sorrow...

  At least in humility lie seeds of worship.

  In green valleys danced the young, whose lives were worship.

  They sang, and the air filled with God while I listened.

  Their eyes shone, and sweet peace melted away sorrow.

  They preached Jesus, and my heart trembled with laughter.

  They bid me stay, and I felt joy in my spirit...

  but somehow trudged on, in search of still more wonders.

  Out on scattered islands, a man showed me wonders

  in the earth and sky, whose silence spoke of worship.

  An elder taught us to choose a happy spirit:

  we watched thousand-mile seas, and laughed as we listened.

  But what was ours, compared to my true love’s laughter?

  She proved how perfect love casts out fear and sorrow.

  I sailed many waters to be cleansed of sorrow;

  I climbed high peaks and witnessed all the world’s wonders;

  I heard the wind’s song, and felt the moonlight’s laughter,

  and began at last to believe I might worship.

  But it was when my thoughts grew still and I listened

  for God, that one word, ‘Faith’, brought a brand-new spirit.

  Faith led me quickly to Jesus, where my spirit

  bowed, surrendered, and gave up sin and sorrow

  for life and mercy. My soul leapt as I listened

  to my Savior, and beheld the holy wonders

  of His love. Sure at last, I fell down to worship,

  received salvation, and rose in strength and laughter.

  The Spirit always called, and at last I listened,

  trading worldly sorrow for enraptured laughter.

  We open the door to wonders when we worship.