“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou

Offering 

I bring my weeds and wheat,
my thorns and tares, 
every discordant, jarring 
part of me I share
and deposit at your feet.

I bring myself—
a soul unravelled,
not a neatly tied
up package of a person
brought fully under 
control, but an untidy 

messed-up self, with
threadbare, ribbon-like spools.
I bring my pain, my joys 
and sorrows, the tears I 
hide inside and those 

I can release and cry.
I bring my masks
and scars, my shadow 
side that’s in great need
of holy redeeming light. 

I bring an open heart 
that’s still wary
of opening up
but wants more than anything 
to be able to love

others better, and accept
the love you freely give
to me, the hope of seeing 
change, and the grace 
to live my life differently.
© joylenton

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” — Kahlil Gibran