by Rachael

Dimly lit room with a shut tight door,

Baby screams 'til her lungs are sore.

No one comes to drop the crib rail

Lift her out of her little girl jail.

You weren't there so what could you do?

But God told my heart that you still knew.

For never once when I've shook with tears

Have you failed to rush in and quiet my fears.

The gentle hands, the calming voice

Someone to simply delight and rejoice.

You would think you can't get what you never had

Until God gives you a spiritual dad.

Preschool now and where did she go?

She hides with books - stares out the window.

So many pictures and words she can't read...

She's got a story that would make your heart bleed.

Thirty years later - is it too late to edit?

That story won't work and its all to your credit!

At bedtime I hear a brand new tale unfold.

The wonder is all new but am I too old?

The distance between us is 1500 miles

But I cradle the phone - on my face only smiles.

To tell stories to grown-ups- who would even bother?

Unless, of course, he was a true spiritual father!

Whoa now!  She's coming up in years

She's got ideas and dreams and hopes someone hears

She'll try lots of stuff but not many will notice

Blame and rage mold her:  young girl with closed fists.

Aren't you afraid?  Because most people are.

She's unruly, untamed - she acts SO bizarre!

She's lashed at you too.  Left you feeling abused.

Yet never you punish - but let soft words defuse.

Now tell me who tolerates that kind of rage?

Especially not from people my age.

Who shows compassion when rebuke is what's due?

A merciful father!  (A spiritual one too!)

All of the "firsts" -- everything that got "missed"

Every knee scrape; every "ouch" that needs kissed....

I know you weren't there and still it would seem

God found the right person -- this pain to redeem.

You more than make up for the much that was lost

And I know very well that you pay a steep cost.

Yet true to this call you ALWAYS have been.

Your honour is beyond that of many many men.

So this is my tribute.  My THANKS to my "dad"

Whom God chose to help mend and make my soul glad.

As long as you call me your spiritual kin