Half-Empty Hands

Death comes, I go to give my gifts to God,
What will I do, O God, when You appear?
Deny no more, avoidance nor facade,
I can’t escape, Lord, finally we are here.

What gifts bring I in my half-empty hands--
the sins I’ve done, and some, I hope, good deeds,
I don’t recall this scene was in my plans,
where’s all the stuff I got for all my needs?

But what’s in Your full hands held out to me?
Repentance done, prayers for me by a friend,
my faith, my worship for You, Lord, so free,
Your mercy and forgiveness without end.

How sad I am my hands do not hold more,
how glad--enough to get me in the door.

                    by Pete Voelz     11/8/14