ALABASTER VESSEL

They came: the sick, the weak, the lost, the hopeless,
An endless line of misery to my door.
At first I welcomed them freely, heard them gladly,
And shared with them the goods I had in store.

But still they came and came in countless numbers,
Daily o’erwhelming me with all their pain.
My nerves were frayed, my body near exhaustion,
Resources gone; was all my work in vain?

And then His gentle presence seemed to be there
With that calm peace that He alone can give.
“What of your alabaster box?” He queried.
“Why not use that to help the dying live?”

My alabaster box! Why, deep within it
Lay all my jewels, the things so dear to me!
My pride, my anger, all my self-indulgence,
My private fears, those things no one could see!

“Just let them go,” that gentle Voice insisted.
“With full abandon, suddenly release
All to My love, then let that love flow through you
And bring to all the hurting, health and peace.”

“Yes, Lord,” I finally said in full submission.
With grace, He sent His power from above.
My vessel’s contents He then changed completely
And taught me to anoint all with His love.

The Congo River winds through a beautiful but war-scarred country.
Many people need assistance.

Is God calling you to help?

BLESSING

I’m praying for you, friend, because I love you

As a fellow child of God, as sister/brother dear.

I pray that God, our Father, will be with you

Removing cares and doubts, and calming fear.

I pray that God in Christ will be quite near you,

Protect from harm and lead you in His way;

That He will bless, keep, guide, direct, and help you

In all your thoughts and actions every day.

I pray that God, the Spirit, gives you courage,

Whate’er the cost, to always do the right.

May peace and joy enfold you now and always,

Surrounding you with His own love and light.