The Promise
He looked down at her, His eyes
soft, their depth and warmth drawing her in.
"Thank you for your gift, little one,
in return, in gratitude, I offer you these:
wide shoulders for you to lean upon,
to carry you through your moments of fear,
strong arms to envelop you and hold you close,
or hide you in when you are troubled,
a proud heart which will always treasure you,
loving you with devotion, honoring you above all others,
a careful mind to guide you, to teach you,
to reassure you, to help you grow,
I promise you these will always be yours,
and My love, I promise you more:
comfort for your fears,
respite for your pains,
discipline when you slip,
praise when you please,
protections from worldly harshness,
structure to define your days,
strength to take you to your limits,
to stretch them, and go beyond,
the sweet caress of pleasure,
the stinging ache of pain,
the glory of knowing full surrendur.
Oh, My little cherished one, I promise
you.... your dreams."
lowering her eyes, she pondered
her humble gift to Him,
and realized then that the acceptance of
her gift
was really another gift to herself
from Him.