Christian poem 'Reclaimed and Restored' by Gertrude Jefferies (Christart.com)

Reclaimed and Restored
by Gertrude Jefferies

A dirty old vessel is what I was,
So unclean, corrupt and defiled.
But the Master walking by one day,
Picked up this old vessel and smiled.

I'll just take this one home and work on it,
Till it's shining, cleansed and restored.
He lovingly started removing dirt
And stains, from the life it endured.

He worked long and hard on the old vessel,
It was so dirty and marred.
But he began at last to see,
It's value beneath the scars.

As he worked, a beauty began to shine
It's worth and value shone through,
And this vessel became a joy to the Lord,
He kept it near him all the time.

He continues to shine and keep it clean,
For the dust of the world cling
And bring back tarnish he removed
Devaluing it with it's sting.

This vessel delights being clean and whole,
The refuse and shame now are gone.
A vessel of service it longs to be,
For the Master, to whom it belongs.