All to You

When I minored in creative writing at Winthrop College (now University), I fancied myself more of a poet than a writer of fiction. I was drawn to the thrifty nature of poetry; although the imagery can be extravagant, each word has to carry its own weight. Not a syllable is wasted. (I also assumed I’d never have the stamina to go the distance with a novel, but that’s another story.)

This poem started coming to me in short bursts a couple of months ago and I realized last week that it was time to commit to it once and for all. Otherwise it would continue to buzz in my head.

Actually, I think of this piece as a song. In my mind it has a musical accompaniment, although the melody is undefined. God has often used music as an expressway to my heart, a sort of spiritual IV carrying His thoughts for me directly to my bloodstream.

I considered discussing the meaning behind my words, but decided to let them speak for themselves. Maybe you’ll hear the music.

All to You

All to You, Jesus, All to You. Take my doubts
And brittle pride, The dark heart
I try to hide;
I can’t go on like this, Fighting my brokenness— I give it all to you.

All with You, Jesus,
All with You.
Help me run
Where Your dreams lead, Farther than
My eyes can see. Now I’m not on my own,
Using my strength alone--
Through it all I’m with You.

All for You, Jesus, All for You. Write my days
As You have planned;
The pen’s dropped
Into Your Hand.
I am finally free;
Life is not about me--
All I do is for You.