Empty Handed
Fa Lane

As evening comes and the sun slips behind the trees, I sense that all is slipping away –

My resolve, my vision, my determination to do better today than I did yesterday.

Instead, I sigh into my chair feeling completely empty handed.

I arrive at dusk’s light with nothing to offer as proof that I made a difference today.

And, yet, my Lord receives me.

Perhaps it’s because I AM empty that my God has a special reception for me.

I have no energy because I spent it on others today.

I have no imagination because I shared it with others today.

I have no ax to grind because I worked hard for justice today.

The Lord prepares a table before me to sustain me through the night.

Surely, goodness and mercy will flow upon me in my dreams.

I retreat, empty handed, and look to tomorrow with its renewal.