
September 6, 2004
Originally written September 6, 2004, this song/poem was written while fishing, literally on a scrap of paper. My life up to that point reminded me of the Etch-A-Sketch toy, not only because it continually gets shaken clean, but the inability of most people to be able to make anything of beauty with the knobs without bumping it or messing up
So many fresh starts
So many promises broken and dreams unfulfilled
And I’d grab it with both hands, shake up my life
And start over again
So many Sundays
I’d sit in reflection of how I had failed you
And I’d make a new list, shake up my life
And start over again
Lord, take away my Etch-A-Sketch days
Replace them all with your loving ways
Keep the memories freshly in view
Til I’m home and living with you
So many hurts, Lord
Hypocritical days and agnostic nights
Then I’d throw it away and shake up my life
And start over...again
So many reasons
Well, really excuses, the enemies lies
And I’d cower in a corner, shake up my life
And start over again
God, take away my Etch-A-Sketch days
Replace them all with your loving ways
Free from law and dead to sin
The cross is where it all begins
So take away my Etch-A- Sketch days
Fill my heart and lungs with praise
Shake it once Lord and let me begin
To build the memories from within