the good news is… rooted in justice, mercy, & faithfulness

The Things That Matter Most

I wrecked the family car, an old gold minivan
that had traveled every inch of I-95. It had worn cushions
and an old school map in the glove box.
It held a folder full of mix CDs under the passenger seat
and I wrecked it.
I called the tow truck while the engine
hissed and smoked. I called my dad, my
own apologies tripping over themselves
to get to the front of the line.
I expected to be grounded.
I expected a, “How could you?”
But when I got home that night,
my dad held me close and said,
“A car is just a car, but you are my child. 
The only thing that matters is that you are okay.” 
And I knew it for what it was.
It was mercy. It was love.
It was the thing that mattered most.

Poem by
Rev. Sarah Speed