broken_vessel

Alone, on the shelf the vessel lay

Covered with cobwebs and dust.

Cast aside, each passing year.

Its beauty tarnished with rust.

Once, long ago, in banquet halls

It held the rich and the sweet;

Then, careless hands, its beauty marred

As it fell at the servant's feet.

Seeking a vessel for service dear

The Master found the vase.

With tender hands He lifted it near,

Remembered its beauty and grace.

With forgiving hands, He molded anew

The broken lump of clay.

His love and grace, its beauty restored

To serve the Master each day.

Lord, leave me not on the shelf of this life ... a broken

and foolish vessel ... tarnished by failure and trapped by

the cobwebs and snares of my years.

Let my tears of repentance and love for You soften the

brittle clay of my heart. Remember me, Oh Lord ... and

with Your tender mercies, lift me once again into Your

forgiving hands.

Mold me anew, and shape me with Divine pattern of strength

to withstand the stress of daily use.

Fill me with Your love and spirit. Cast me not away ... use

me this day. Let Your love and understanding flow through

my life - to quench the lonely thirst of mankind around me.