Offering

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (1)


Rosebuds

The rosebud's formed in deepest prayer:
Petalled with love, nurtured by grace,
Its gentle fragrance lifts the air;
Its pastels vivify her place.

In small events, throughout her day,
The rose is unpetalled and shared:
The bloom is spent without delay;
For love of God, love is squandered.

The petals, strewn upon the wind,
Laden with dew of Mercy's grace,
Spread love with joy she can't rescind --
Souls are refreshed with love's embrace.

As countless little gifts of love,
Petals are strewn before His throne;
Lifted with joy, they drift above,
As love is lived for Love alone.

To live for love, her life's consumed;
For this purpose, her prayer has bloomed.


May the Spirit bless our little offerings of love with the joy of the children of light.

(c) Paul Buis, 2003