Gift Wrap

The Gift Wrap and The Jewel

I looked in the mirror and what did I see

But a little old lady peering back at me,

With bags and sags and wrinkles, and wispy white hair

and I asked my reflection, how did you get there?

You once were straight and vigorous,

And now you're stooped and weak,

When I tried so hard to keep you

From becoming an antique.

My reflection's eyes twinkled,

And she solemnly replied,

You're looking at the gift wrap

And not the jewel inside.

A living gem and precious,

Of unimagined worth,

Unique and true, the real you,

The only one on earth.

The years that spoil your gift wrap

With other things more cruel,

Should purify and strengthen

And polish up that jewel.

So focus your attention

On the inside, not the out,

By being kinder, wiser,

More content, and more devout.

Then, when your gift wrap's stripped away,

Your jewel will be set free,

To radiate God's glory

Throughout eternity.

By Wanda B. Goines (age 92)