My Teddy Bear

As I was searching for something special for the ward bulletin I was typing yesterday, I came across this poem in an LDS site. It expresses some of my feelings and love for Teddy Bears. It also contains some interesting concepts of our relationship with Christ. I wanted a way to share it with all of you so here it is. Enjoy!

My Teddy Bear
Officer Charles Dale Gray
#9257, Nov. 1997 LDS www.LDSCOPS.com

When I was but a young man, no bigger than dad’s knee,
I had a friend more dear to me than anyone could be.
Teddy was his name and when I got him, he was new.
He traveled with me everywhere, I loved him through and through.
But over time, this faithful friend grew shabby, frayed and worn.
An eye was missing from his face, his arm was limp and torn.
One leg had come completely off, his stuffing white had browned,
And pieces of his ear were gone from dragging him around.

Some folks say he’s all used up, and I should toss him out.
They say a new bear’s what I need, I’m Teddy’s last holdout.
For I still love my faithful friend, he’s loyal, brave and true.
He hugs me when I need a hug, and comforts me when blue.
So with care and great affection, and a needle and a thread,
I mended Teddy’s sagging arm and put his eye back on his head.
I reattached his missing leg and washed his soiled fur.
I stitched his ear to look like new, his paws I manicured.
No, I could never leave him, He’s been with me through it all.
He may be shabby to the world, but to me he still stands tall.

In this life of troubled woes, as I ponder my mistakes,
I realize that just like my bear, I’ve pains and body aches.
I’m shabby and quite faded; I leave a lot to be desired.
To the world I have but little of what they would here require.
They’d just as soon as throw me out, no claim to fame have I.
I’m ordinary...plain throughout, I’m just a passerby.
But Christ sees value in my life, His love for me o’er flowed
He spilt His blood to mend my soul, my tattered life He sowed.
And some how in a way, I cannot really comprehend...
I love my tattered Teddy, and Christ loves me as His friend.

Thought for Today

Popsicles, Cookies, Lollipops,

Some of Life's most effective Remedies.

(Bonnie Jensen)