Use It Well

for all my students, past and present,

but especially for…

Dylan

You make art with the incredible ease

Of seagulls coasting on an ocean breeze.

Pictures flow from your fingertips

Like parables from our Lord’s lips.

You’ve been given a gift—

We all can tell—

Build it, hone it,

Use it well.

Elena

You hear these words stinging like little bees:

“Be quiet, shut up, stop talking please.”

But you have the power to be the voice,

To guide like Christ, if you make that choice.

Your voice is a gift

Even if you can’t tell—

Direct it, guide it,

Use it well.

Jayden

A pink spring blossom in the winter snow,

Trampled and trodden, you stubbornly grow.

An undimmable light, a fount of love,

That reflects so well the Lord above.

That inner joy is a gift—

A golden bell—

Keep it, share it,

Use it well.

Max

A joyous river rushing through the glen,

You keep moving forward when rocks are thrown in,

Forgiving swiftly, refusing to stop,

Like the beaten man who hung on the cross.

Your pure heart is a gift—

Can you tell?

Protect it, open it,

Use it well.

All

There are a variety of gifts

But it’s one Spirit who lifts

Our human endeavors to God above,

Who fills our everyday tasks with love.

Hank’s calm intelligence, Kaylee’s vibrance,

Addi’s drive, and Olivia’s kindness—

We are all unique and yet we are one

Body of Christ, Body of the Son.

What is your gift?

Once you can tell—

Build it, hone it,

And use it well.

10/13/25