Thanks

Thanks

Yesterday came, yesterday went

No thanks exchanged, not just yet

Quiet, alone, I wept a bit

Was today the end of it?

But then this morning, from way down south

Words of ‘missed you’ from the other’s house

I pondered a bit, with what to say

My wounds cried out - “Hear my way!”

Then my mirror promptly said “Hey!  Hey!”

“Does God respond to you that way?”

I’ve been mean to Him for sure

And yet He’s here with love so pure.

I’ve not known what words to use

But still He answers without a bruise.

My half the bridge, reinforced by me

Maybe, just maybe, too heavily

“Gates are open,” I’m prone to say

Perhaps they open only one way?

Grandpa’s lens, yet again

Reveals brother’s hidden pain

Shows me clearly, my slate’s not clean

I’ve not been where that boy’s been.

Use this lens to look and seek,

Reach toward whose hearts grow weak

See their wounds, rooted deep

 Instead of me, for them I’ll weep.

Would I, could I, see them as He

Sees me and yet, He still loves me?

May I, shall I, be a mirror

Reflect His grace with love and candor.

Give me strength to lower my shield

Open hearts so both will yield.

Let the grace that set me free

Be reflected for all to see.