Heather Jephcott writes

Simply and Forever a Gift

Only and forever

a gift.

A gift

that goes

on and on and on.

The price

of the gift has been paid

ever and for always.

The price

can not be repaid.

The gift

can never be bought.

The gift

can only be given.

But still

so many

try, try, try

and try some more

to obtain the gift,

not simply

by believing, receiving

but by working hard

by doing what they have been told

is necessary

to perhaps, possibly

obtain this free gift.

It makes no sense

but still they try.

Perhaps the thinking is

that the idea of this free gift

is too good to be true

too amazing

too wonderful.

But the fact is,

it makes no sense

when the giver gives freely

to do all these things

in the hope of receiving this gift.

These working hard type things

will never earn the free gift

which can only be received

freely.

If we try to grab hold,

by our own efforts,

the gift is no where near.

If we become proud,

thinking that we are doing enough

to receive the wonderful gift,

we know not the giver.

This is no reward,

no payment.

This is a gift,

simply and forever a gift.

-- treasury, Catedral del Salvador de Ávila