Dirty Little Angel

My Father set a job for me
to go to every bush and tree
and sprinkle morning's dew on them
so they could sparkle just like gems.

I was fully three fourths finished when
a puddle caught my eye and then
I had to stop and play awhile
as would any angel child.

But when my Father turned His eyes,
attracted by my gleeful cries,
to see my dirty, splattered face
I knew I'd fallen from His grace.

"Please Father" I began to say
"I didn't mean to disobey.
I let temptation have its way
and instead of work, I turned to play."

Then I heard Him chuckle low
as He saw me sitting there below.
"I placed that puddle there for you
because I knew just what you'd do."

"You needn't try so very hard
to earn your place in My regard.
It's not by works that got you here,
but My love and grace that holds you near."

I felt my heart take wing and lift
and I thanked my Father for this gift.
I never should have doubted grace
because of dirt upon my face.