Lanyards

Billy Collins is one of my favorite poets and of his poems, one of my favorites is The Lanyard. In this poem he describes making a lanyard for his mother with the help of a camp counselor, and being so excited to give it to her. Then he remembers all that she has given him, and…he gave her a lanyard. It’s a very clever poem and it has become an inside passage with my kids. Side note:one of them, as an adult, actually made a lanyard and sent it to me!

This morning I am reminded of all the bits of crow treasure, the trinkets and trivialities, and yes, the lanyards that I bring to God. He gives me life and nourishment and so much more, and me? I bring as if to exchange…a lanyard.

And He smiles and His heart is full and He graciously accepts my little gifts. All the while, He continues to bless me and nourish me and proudly wear the lanyard I made with the help of a camp counselor.

Love.