Radically Happy

[Even these words are stolen, but they do a remarkable job of capturing my heart.]

Write a poem “I am the drummer boy”, about feeling — unlike the wise men and shepherds — I neither sought out Jesus nor was invited.

ChatGPT Prompt

I am the drummer boy,
A stranger to the light,
Not summoned by an angel’s song,
Nor guided by the night.

No star hung high to call my name,
No herald’s voice rang clear,
I wandered close by accident,
No purpose brought me here.

The wise men rode with treasures rare,
Their journey long and planned,
The shepherds came at heaven’s word,
Obedient to command.

But I, with empty, calloused hands,
Had nothing grand to bring,
No gold, no frankincense or myrrh,
Just rhythm on a string.

I neither sought the holy face,
Nor felt the heavens nudge,
A clumsy soul, unworthy there,
No angel’s whispered judge.

And yet, He turned His gaze to me,
This child of royal grace,
His tiny hand reached out to mine,
No judgment in His face.

“Play for me,” the infant spoke,
As if He’d always known
That even those who do not seek
Are still not left alone.

So here I stand, a drummer boy,
Unbidden, undeserved,
But welcomed by the King of kings,
Whose mercy swerves and curves.

He did not ask for my ascent,
Or proof of holy fire,
He only sought my trembling song,
And blessed my lone desire.

Now every beat, each trembling note,
A praise I never knew,
For though I neither sought nor came,
The Christ still called me too.