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