Evening’s upon us, Lord:
time to turn another page
in this chapter of my life…
We all have a story, Lord,
we all have a story to tell…
Part of my story is an open book
– even casual observers can take a look…
But much of my tale’s known only to those
who’ve had a share in my tale,
who’ve appeared in a chapter or two
of the book my heart’s been writing…
I’m grateful for all who are part of my story,
my struggles, my loves and adventures:
the good and the bad, the happy and sad,
the pain and the healing,
the mystery and plot twists,
my conflicts and resolutions,
all the living turning, page by page
through my tender, troubled, treasured times…
And then, of course – you, Lord!
You know my whole story: chapter and verse.
Why, you even know how my story will end
– still a mystery, even to me…
But most of all, I’m grateful, Lord:
that you know my whole story
and love me nonetheless,
that you know my sins and failings
and always show me mercy,
that you know my deepest secrets
but hold and keep them safe,
that you who read me like a book
take sweet delight in every word
and love my simple story
like a New York Times best seller!
And greatest of all, Lord:
you, the author of every story,
you’ve written, you’ve threaded,
your gracious story into mine…
My story was begun in you,
your fingerprints on every page,
and my story will conclude in you
with an epilogue, I pray,
of peace that never ends…
We all have a story, Lord
and I pray that my story and yours
become, more and more, every day,
just one story, the story of our love,
a story without end…
Protect me, Lord, as I lie awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…