The Promise

       You promised

well, actually you didn't promise very much, did you?

but that little is enough

is more than enough.

We fail you

over and over again

but you promised to be faithful to us

not to let us fail

beyond your forgiveness of our failure.

In our common temptation

you promised

we would not be tempted more than we are able

you promised not to lead us into temptation

beyond our frail strength

and you

yourself

are our refuge in temptation

our escape from the pit

and that is enough

so that we can bear

more than we thought we could bear

of loneliness, nothingness, otherness,

sin, silliness, sadness.

For thine is the kingdom and the other great fors:

forbearance, forgiveness,

fortitude,

forever:

this is what you promised

it is enough

it is everything.

~Madeleine L'Engle