Equal Gifts

What gifts, God, do I have to equal Yours?
You gave me life, I have a life to give,
You show me love so long Your love endures,
You let me love so long I have to live.

You give me friends, and You are my best friend,
Your love for me, You order me to share,
as much I love myself unto the end,
so for my neighbor You ask me to care.

I love myself, how can I do that best?
To get what I want most--to go to heaven,
and then with me, to gather all the rest,
their souls as gifts to join the gift I’m given.

If you give me my life and Your love too,
I’ll multiply my soul and love for You.

                    -- by Pete Voelz       11/9/12