Upon the gates of Heaven
I came knocking one fair morn.
With boldness seeking audience,
in my finest whites adorned.
I'd rehearsed what I would tell Him
Knowing well what I deserved.
I would speak and He would listen,
He would grant and we'd adjourn.
Upon entering the hallway
that would lead me to His throne,
I couldn't shake a strange sensation.
I felt as thought I were at home.
When I finally reached the throne
and firmly stood before the King
a sudden smile came upon Him
though He did not say a thing.
I stood in awe as all His glory
in brilliant splendor from Him shone.
It filled the room. It passed right through me
like nothing I had ever known.
And when the rays of light that left Him
reached my blinded useless eyes
with sight restored, I saw upon me,
the gown I once thought to be white.
His light revealed the imperfections,
the many dirty spots and stains.
In filthy rags I fell before Him.
I could not stand. I was ashamed.
Expecting looks of disappointment,
I turned to look upon His face
and found instead that loving smile
had somehow still remained in place.
Self-righteousness at once was shattered
and fell in pieces to the floor.
Now pride and I both lay beside it,
no longer what we were before.
I thought of running from his presence
for I was filthy, He was clean
But couldn't move, my strength had left me.
I lay there, did not say a thing.
He stood, and fear emerged within me
for He was larger than I knew.
The Heavens shook when He moved toward me,
and as He did the rumbling grew.
And with each step His might grew greater,
His light grew brighter to my eyes.
I feared my sin and filthy garments
would lead Him to my soul despise.
But looking not at my appearance,
He somehow looked deep down inside
embraced me in his arms and held me,
despite my filth, despite my pride.
There was no wrath or condemnation
and with that smile upon his face
a snow-white gown He placed upon me,
my filthy raiment to replace.
My wounds were healed; my fear had left me
and all my strength He did restore.
The sins and stains that once had filled me
would be remembered nevermore.
I saw that only He was holy
but if I stood beneath His wings,
I then would share the light of glory
that being in his presence brings.
I never got around to asking,
yet He gave me more than I deserved
And my heart stood in sheer amazement
at all the things that I observed.
Though not a single word was spoken
His love was shining clear that day.
Then as I humbly stood before Him,
He smiled and sent me on my way.
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