"All of Empty Me"

This happened a few weeks before my freshman year at college. I'd been listening to another student practice on the church piano. She was not only talented and skillful, she was careful to play brightly for worship and joy then to finger pensively for dedication and repentance.... It made me want to cry, when I thought about the years I'd lost--I'd quit piano lessons during my "Slough"; my fingers could no longer move the way they used to.

I remember praying, "Oh God, I have nothing left to offer you. Talents, grades, friends, personality...I lost all of that. I have nothing left to give you." I remember holding my empty palms up to the ceiling. "But if you'll take me, all of me--and that is all I have now--you can have it."

Now I realize God WANTED that prayer, not an offer of something I held in my hands, but my hands themselves.

Joel 2:25

Tho' my greatest longing is to serve Thee, Master

Sinful is my heart; I slowly threw away

All the gifts You gave to me; I can no longer

Serve and please You: empty hands I bring today.

"I am Master of all time and of all 'losses'

What seems gone is but an offering to Me

Sweet aroma of 'lost years' will bathe your service. With

Empty hands and single heart, come, follow Me."