"Book Shelf"

Just a simple book shelf,

Some assembly was required,

But when I got into it,

Far more than I desired.

Seemed like a thousand parts at least,

And that doesn’t count the screws,

To hold the thing together,

And here’s the hardest news,

I’m just not an engineer,

Had nightmares when my kids,

Got presents every Christmastime,

‘Cause that’s just what we did.

And hours long on Christmas Eve,

I’d sweat and cuss and pray,

Attempting the assembly,

Of a toy with which to play.

And now the kids are grown and gone,

But Amazon now brings,

Boxes with instructions,

To construct all kinds of things.

The picture of the book shelf,

Looked like a simple piece,

Of wood with metal railings,

But let me tell you these,

Were wrapped in bags and boxes,

With a twenty page lay-out,

And I got plumb discouraged,

But I gave my best no doubt.

And, yes, the thing’s together,

And I’ll admit it’s nice,

Five strong shelves, it’s perty,

I’m sure was worth the price.

I think of how God does it,

When our parts are scattered far,

He can put us back together,

After all, He made the stars.

He fills us with integrity,

And by the Spirit heals,

All that once destroyed us,

And gives us peace that’s real.

“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension.” (Psalm 147:3-5, NLT)

It’s all said in the same breath. God heals broken hearts and names the stars. Strong stuff, don’t you think? The One who orchestrated the vast immensity of the galaxies will relieve the heaviest burdens of the human soul. There is nothing beyond His expertise or power. He can put us back together indeed! The word “integrate” means to bring all the different parts into a meaningful whole. The Lord. brings all that has blown apart in our lives and, under His lordship, makes it make sense. He gives us integrity so that every aspect of who we are glorifies Him.

Lord, put us back together, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.