(about 2000)
Three summers ago
I was given a gift.
I was so young then,
so excited . . .
I ripped it open
expecting . . .
and what I held,
a block of clay.
Ideas . . .
how to shape it,
what I would make it . . .
then . . .
The Lord unveiled
His thoughts to me,
how I should shape,
what it could be.
I shaped as He said
and on command
my precious gift--
back to His hand.
Two summers ago
I was given a gift,
still very young,
wide-eyed . . .
I slowly let the ribbons give,
wondering . . .
and what I held
that block of clay
was in a shape
I recognized.
And like before
the Lord unveiled
His thoughts to me
how I should shape,
what it could be.
I shaped as He said
and on command
my precious gift--
back to His hand.
Last summer
I was given a gift
a little older,
changing . . .
with special care,
and perfect faith
I unwrapped it
with my gentlest touch.
Trusting . . .
and what I held
was a picture instead
of what had been shaped . . .
with a flowered frame.
But in time
I heard the Lord
that all that was mine
was all in my heart
and once again
at His command
my precious gift--
back to His hand.
This summer
I am given a gift
as old as I've been,
preparing . . .
this time it comes
without a wrap,
no covering,
no pretenses . . .
I look inside,
the looking glass
with the flowered frame,
and see for the first time
myself
as part of the shape
we carved
from that long-ago
block of clay.
It looks familiar
is all I can think,
and on the horizon
I hear Him again..
On His command
my precious gift--
back to His hand.
Next summer will come
with another gift.
Older,
wiser . . .
I'll receive it
with my open heart
and listen
to my Lord
and do all I can.
I know I'll need
His loving hands.
