my gift is not for me
not for that empty spot on my trophy shelf
not to keep me company
when i’m lonely
it’s not for holding so tight it’s crushed and ugly
or for hiding in a closet where it gets musty and moldy
it’s for fitting together with all the rest
as though part of a body Lego
forming as one to function
as our God surely knows best
it doesn’t puff out its chest or compare itself
showing the bitter side of pride
it doesn’t waste much time in the mirror
asking its reflection why
the better part of each day it spends
in deepest gratitude
looking forward to each turn of the road
as it winds and wends
© Joel Tipple
#24/14
Write here, Joel. 
Joel – I’ve read through your writing above several times. I hope I have interpreted correctly but what I’ve taken is a gem for me and for that I thank you.
Sheri, I’ve had the opportunity to share these poems in various forums over the last couple years. I’m a little overwhelmed that God lets me do it and that people respond so positively. My prayer, and a responsibility I believe we all carry, is to always treat our God given abilities with both gratitude and a balanced perspective. As I’m sure you’re already understanding, my belief is it’s wrong to make idols out of our abilities and it’s also wrong to hide them away.