My Candle

My earthly life is like a candle

Not just as a work art;

Designed to be a living channel,

in God’s grace to have a part.

I know that I was made for service,

Not to seek my selfish will;

Created for a special purpose:

God’s own mission to fulfill.

Then I hear my Savior speaking:

“Let your light to others shine.

Point the longing ones now seeking

to the Light, themselves to find.”

But I cannot be a true witness

with a candle dark and cold;

Lord, alone, I can give no brightness

to a dying, needy world,

But as I look to you my Maker

grant me, Lord, my heart’s desire.

Take now this weak and humble taper

Light me with your holy fire.

Now I feel the consuming power

of the Holy Spirit’s flame

Changing and molding me each hour—

I will never be the same.

While this fire within me is burning

melting me with love anew,

You satisfy, my deepest yearning.

Let me be a light for You.

--Jennita Schmidt, April 27, 2013