The Gift

This little poem spawned off of a conversation with my grandmother about God wanting us -- all of us.  He doesn't just want the things we want to give Him; He doesn't just want the good stuff, our kindness, charity, humility...He wants our sins, our tarnished souls in need of forgiveness.  He wants to make us whole again.

I held out my hand to the Master;

"I did this for You," I said,

Hiding from Him behind me

My sins of remorse and dread.

He took my gift of richness,

And smiled at my prize.

Then, putting it with the others,

He looked me in the eyes.

"Your work is greatly needed,"

He said, with smiling face,

"But dear, there is more you have done;

Come, freely accept My grace."

"But Lord, that work is dirty!

See it stained with grime and dust.

And Lord, You in Your glory,

Are gracious and good and just."

I looked to the things I'd hidden...

What else could He see in there?

Faltering, I took my sin,

And gave Him every care.

He smiled and took my pain --

He'd known it all along.

And in my very weakness,

He took me and made me strong.  

And then He took my garment,

And rinsed it in His blood.

And now I stand unashamed,

Washed in the cleansing flood.

~ H. Paige Edwards,

February 9th, 2016