God has given me the ability to paint,
But I do not see myself as an artist.
He has given me the ability to write,
But I do not see myself as a author.
Though I have degrees in math and physics,
I do not see myself as a mathematician or physicist.
Though I build telescopes and watch the heavens,
I do not see myself as an astronomer.

God has given me the ability to teach,
But I do not see myself as a teacher.
He has given me the ability to sing,
But I do not see myself as a gifted singer.
Though I play golf and many other sports,
I do not see myself as an athlete.
Though I build things with woods and parts,
I do not see myself as a craftsman.

Yet in spite of this, to some I am an artist.
Some who have read my books call me an author.
My coworkers called me a mathematician or physicist.
Those for whom I built telescopes call me an astronomer.
In spite of my shortcomings, some call me a teacher.
Some who have heard me harmonize call me a singer.
My close golfing buddies think I am an athlete.
My wife and grandkids think I can do or fix anything.

To two I am dad, to a few more I am pop,
To one I am husband and life’s mate.
To my friends I try to be thoughtful, loving and kind,
To do all I can to be the friend that they need.
I do try to be many things to all people
So that by all possible means I might help save some.
Yet though I am not a lot of things that I would like to be
I am still the very thing that I want most of all to be,
A child of God!