I found myself singing this morning,

surprised at my voice,

and memory for the lyrics….

What did I sing?

It was the hymn just as I am,

a response to a familiar story…

the gospel of Luke sets this scene,

a Pharisees house,

the woman, obviously known comes in,

weeping,

standing behind Jesus her tears flow,

down onto his feet,

she kneels and wipes them with her hair,

such scandalous behaviour, then

she anoints Jesus feet,

the aroma must have filled the room,

expensive perfume…

a waste, or an act of worship…

we know what Simon the Pharisee thought,

but Jesus points out his lack of hospitality,

and her care…

I ask myself if I would have her boldness?

if I would have her openness in such a hostile space,

I ask myself if I am aware of my need for forgiveness?

I sing just as I am,

Just as I am, and waiting not…

Oh lamb of God I come, I come….