• "Lord, let me seek not so much
    to be consoled as to console;
    to be understood, as to understand;
    nor to be loved as to love."

    but how can one live only giving away love,
    only understanding,
    only consoling?
    yet in our dark hours, finding aid scarce,
    feeling unloved,
    and lying unconsoled alone?
    how long must we love unloved,
    or understand whilst misunderstood,
    and console whilst unconsoled?

    these questions pass through my mind,
    as i walk through the rain.
    in the dark night little is around
    the occasional car passes by
    a streetlight passes overhead.
    i walk on, pondering.
    considering.
    wondering.

    and others? do they feel the same?
    do they also find that their kindness is all for naught?
    do they too find true love elusive?
    do they also feel misunderstood?

    this is truly a challenge for the strong.
    to stand alone against the unloving, uncaring, deaf world;
    to care for those who scare, disgust and disturb us to our depths,
    to listen to those who do not listen, who make hasty conclusions and pick fights,
    and to console endless grievers.

    we can only hope that God watches faithfully,
    as i try to continue to work faithfully.
    it is a hard job ahead,
    but with his help and strength i hope to carry on.