Dry Erase Words

I wish I could talk with a dry erase board
fumbling stupidity can be wiped away
with the swipe of a fingertip
returning to the sleek white emptiness
of a brand new day
straight A's came easy from the back of the class
taking notes and always writing in pencil
renewed by the smell of fresh eraser shavings
easily brushed off by the heal of my hand
neatly printed papers were covered in praise
but I couldn't really take the credit
Because I really owe it all to
my faithful friend--the backspace key
but friendships write with Sharpies
and crossing things out
only adds to the mess
bleeding through to others and leaving a stain
but being myself in the relaxing stream of consciousness
is more like white water rafting
and only means they'll leave a little sooner
so I pre-edit, try to stay quiet
and come to You
the only one who can read the illegible
to sense you smiling at my stupid words crossed out
and knowing I just want to love them well
like You love me
I've been trying to write out formulas
for a new equation
I'm a little lost
the board is messy
and I'm handing the marker to You



"Have you ever been perceived as pushy, insensitive, or apathetic when you had no intention to convey that attitude? While it's not a sin to be perceived in a negative light, it can strain relationships and cause misunderstandings. For example if our attempts at humor come out as cutting sarcasm, people will be repelled. If we dominate or control a meeting, those around the table will eventually stop participating. Our nervous laughter may inadvertently have the effect of irritating people. This is not about image control. This is about being more self-aware. It's about being alert to any personal idiosyncrasies you and I have that could hinder our rapport with other people." Rory Noland, Thriving as an Artist in the Church

"I sometimes think that writing is like driving sheep down a road. If there is a gate open to the left or the right the readers will most certainly go into it." C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the toungue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12: 18

"Love . . . doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always 'me first,'
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others."
1 Corinthians 13:5 (msg)

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Paul, Romans 7:15