open my eyes
and let me see
the impact of me
in the eyes
of those
i say i love
in the face
of the stranger
in the heart of my friends
help me see
my flaws
help me
see my brokenness
help me see
the fractures
and inconsistencies
in me
that i so readily ignore
but call out in others

dear God
may the tone
of my words
carry grace
acceptance
and peace
let my heart be open
to know when to engage
and when to disengage
always with kindness
and gentleness
and help me love
with listening
help me love
with understanding
help me love
with an other-centered spirit
help me
to
love
as you reveal
me
to
me