A Poem by Pat Severin

Lord, I’m your vessel
formed by your hand,
spun and transformed
to emerge as you’ve planned.

But I am not perfect,
I’m flawed, Lord, indeed,
though I am created
by you I will need...

glazing and firing
and yet I am sure
that when I am finished,
I’ll never be pure.

For you, blessed Potter,
you only can be
both precious and perfect,
not blemished like me.

And yet I’m designed
and created by you
and that’s why you gave me
this great work to do.

My pleasure to serve
as a lamp guiding paths
to those needing You,
the have-nots and the haves.

My purpose I see
from your Word, that is true.
As the Light of the World,
could it be I’m like you?

Forgive me, Dear Potter,
for asking that question.
When those words escaped me,
I saw my transgression.

I am nothing like you
but determined to be
your very best lamp
with a glow all can see.

At the seminal moment
when sunlight has dimmed
and breezes demand that
my lamplight be trimmed,

It is then I will serve you,
I’ll illumine their path
as bright as I’m able,
Lord, on your behalf.

For this is my mission,
my purpose is clear.
By dispelling the darkness
The True Light will appear.

Pat Severin, a retired Christian school teacher living in Wisconsin, is a life-long poet whose first love is writing with Christian themes. Many of her poems are published in the Agape Review, The Way Back to Ourselves, the Clay Jar Review, Pure in Heart Stories, The Heart of Flesh Journal and Words of the Lamb. Additionally, she is published in the books, Chicken Soup for the Soul, I Chose You Perfectly Imperfect Rescues and their Humans and When Love Wags a Tail. She is also regularly featured in the Southern Arizona Press Anthologies. Her personal ministry is writing and sending out weekly cards of encouragement for those going through difficult life struggles.

THE POTTER’S LAMP

October Abjurations

AT THE BEACH