Poem August 26, 1996 Issue

Wedded bliss

Barbara B. Whitewater

So many years, alone in the dark, the prayer went out:
"Hold me, Father. Help me to feel the comfort and warmth
of Your love and law; help me to hear Your guiding voice
telling me how to be both parents to this child,
how to find the means to house and clothe and feed us both.
Hold me, Father. Comfort me with proof
of Your tender affection and certain grace—
keep me on the path of purity and holiness,
quiet the rage of disappointment and fear, open my eyes
to the proof that You're always right here."

And the prayer was answered, so many times, in so many ways.
In so many unexpected forms, the well poured forth
immeasurable blessings in the midst of the desert—
the needs met, and some wants too. The years passed, and
both parent and child grew in the grace of their Lord.

And then the sweet surprise ...
no longer alone in the dark, a new prayer goes out:
"Thank you, Father, for the tender proof of Your love,
and for this dear symbol of it, asleep beside me.
Hold us both, Father, in Your ever-present love and law;
help us never to lose sight of You
in the sparkle of each other's eyes;
keep our feet planted firmly on the path of righteousness.
Thank you, Father, for this precious reward of our faith,
and help us always to honor You in
every expression of our love for each other."