He also said, "I'll give you tools."
Then he handed me a small
bag which seemed awful light
but it was filled with many
marvelous things to behold.

Now some were tools of labor.
Others were for the skill to learn.
Then there were three or four,
I didn't completely understand.
One was of love unconditional;
Two was of the ability to forgive;

Three was to always have hope,
for both myself and others;
to never fail to see the positive
in all that took place
and happened to me.

Now I learned to work
both hard and smart.
Slowly as I've matured
the gift of unconditional love
has entered my heart for all.
Knowing my many faults
I've learned that mercy
is better than to judge.

Now most of all it is the third
which has helped me
grow and go the farthest.
For hope outweighs all the risk
of sitting idle
and doing naught.
I took hope and took the risks.
I'm well beyond the mark
in time and space in life
and every night I pray
that I might give
this third gift to others
who might pass me
on my way today.