Recently, we were sent this Christmas note and were deeply touched by it. So much so, that it only seems fitting to share.
I bring this prayer to You, Lord
For You alone can give
What one cannot demand from oneself.
Give me, Lord, what you have left over,
Give me what no-one ever asks You for.
I don’t ask You for rest,
Or quiet,
Whether of soul or body;
I don’t ask You for wealth,
Nor for success, nor even health perhaps.
That sort of thing You get asked for so much
That You can’t have any of it left.
Give me, Lord, what you have left over,
Give me what no-one wants from you.
I want insecurity, strife,
And I want You to give me these
Once and for all.
So that I can be sure of having them always,
Since I shall not always have the courage
To ask You for them.
Give me, Lord, what You have left over,
Give me what others want nothing to do with.
But give me courage too,
And strength and faith;
For You alone can give
What one cannot demand from oneself.
– Lt. Andre Zirnheld, SAS, died in battle July 26, 1941, this was found in his uniform.
I send this poem and this next story to you, as a gift and a challenge. Imagine what your life would be like, if you received (what was left over) but did not ask for it. I had the unique opportunity to help a large number of people this year, simply because life was hard for people that normally would help and they couldnt or wouldnt take the chance. This has been a difficult year for many, it remends me of 2001 when, not a single life was untouched by the act of violence against our nation. The economy is no different, it may not directly affect you, your family may still have both incomes, but it effects people around you and those you care about being friends, or family.
~Dr. Mark (Mission Participant, Kenya and Uganda, October 2009)
Angelina 