Invitation - A Judith Felsen Poem

Invitation

My Lord,  if  Jacob’s angels now 

were sent to me  would I be ready?

Would I recognize  their invitation,

or would I shy away?

My Esau nature might then see  

Your love as some disguised attack,

and in protection of my self  

I would  hide and run again.

Your emissaries come in many forms. 

I fear my mind and soul are so unclear

that when Your message comes 

I will not understand and so 

Your shlichot will move on until another time.

Each day I sense Your angels come 

and offer me another chance for peace.

My Esau self does act as if they are not there,

but still ,Your helpers bring Your will.

They hold Your invitation in their watchfulness

with urgency and patience as I step forth 

in stages  toward what once seemed a defeat.

I need allow my Esau self to go and celebrate the loss.

I do not want what is not mine, so that 

I may be empty to receive what is

assigned for me by You. 

Your legacy, my true inheritance

cannot be measured out in sheep.

Yet, looking up, I recognize Your flocks advancing 

and see Israel’s angels where once, my brother Jacob stood.

I have received Your emissaries’ with Your invitation and said, Yes.

 - Dr. Judith Felsen