St Peters RC Church Hamilton

The distress was great,
I cried out late in the night
“Where are You Lord?”
Not expecting an answer.
But from the stark dark
A speck of hope dawned,
For quite simply, but clearly,
You replied “I’m here.”

So near, for me to hear, yet I could not see You.
But You must have been there
In person very close by, for me
Amidst the heart cry to hear You at all.
I did not fall into Your loving arms
But felt safe from harm. Thank You Lord.
And was able to fall fast asleep,
Letting You keep safe watch over me.

The next day was better, until night,
Then the overpowering fright
Swirled around me once more.
I lay curled up in despair
Wondering if You really did care for me?
For if You did, how could this be?
No answer out of the night this time,
And just as light seeped in, I fell faintly, fitfully asleep.

Morning came too soon, too soon.
More pain again to go through.
With or without You? I did not know.
More fears, more tears, more stress.
What a mess I am in.
How will I ever begin to pull myself
Back together once more?
I could not implore You, I was too upset.

Then, out of the blue, bright morning blue,
You spoke Your living word,
Heard more in my heart than my head.
This is what You said:
“Lo, I am with you always,
Even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28 v 20
And at that very moment, my husband walked in
With a bouquet of roses, roses for everlasting love.

Ruby red and creamy peach rose buds,
Offset by a dainty white dance of gypsophila.
The roses so bold, bright and determined to please.
The white so innocent, quiet and unassuming in its delight.
They spoke to me of the power of love,
Both forceful and gentle, clearly and quietly evident.
The flowers reminded me of hope
For the roses held their heads up to turn to the sunshine.

As the roses looked up to seek the sun’s warmth,
And draw nourishment from the crystal clear water,
So may I Lord, look up to find You
And draw strength from the wellspring flow of Your love.
Outside a bird sang gaily, not a care in the world.
I will meet today like that Lord,
No care, for You share all of my burden,
Knowing just when I need You. Thank You Lord.

Lord Jesus, when I forget that You are always with me, remind me of this in some way that I
can not fail to take notice and grasp the reality. Prompt me to turn to You in trust and
thanksgiving for Your compassionate concern. Amen.

16.06.04