This Life

This life I claim as mine,
hold onto
and defend,
is a gift,
entrusted for a time,
given, breath-by-breath
by you.

It is a vessel
carved rough
and beautiful
for you
to pour yourself into
and overflow from,
for your joy
and mine
and others.

It is a gift I cannot
truly receive,
you whisper repeatedly,
until I release my grip
and let it go to you.
Help me
as I open hands and heart
to release
and receive
your gift again.

——

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me will save it.
Luke 9:24

From Heaven at my Door by Juanita Ryan