VESSELS OF STEEL VS FRAGILE VASES

on the day i wore a crown
on my 61st birthday

don had to remind me i am not yet 62years old

i received fragile vases
of glass and porcelain

they had beautiful tulips
fresh colorful tulips
the first time i held them
i imagined the gardens of amsterdam

from dear tess of albany new york
thoughtfulness beyond measure.


lovely red roses from tony and vilma
who flew in from san francisco
but took off and hid away from me for some hours in the afternoon
to prepare for this delicious delight of lovely blood red roses
what soothing friendship

and more red roses brought in on valentines day
by elaine for papa

i look at the vases
so fragile
so easy to break

i know that my God
even as I offered the flowers in praise petition and thanksgiving
accepted them while reminding me
that He was taking all the flowers and the vases
the fragile vases

we grew up knowing we are vessels
Our God has chosen a vessel
that may not be broken

He has chosen that in these times
that we be made of steel that He can twist
that we may not be broken

He has willed that in these times
we may have courage
the strength that comes when pressed by uncertainty
the singleminded trust that this will pass

for Don AND I and all our family and friends
are held by God's hand .

NOthing will break us ....even if we are twisted and pressed by uncertainty

WE ARE NO FRAGILE VASES
WE ARE VESSELS OF STEEL