Anyway

Wow.  You want to talk about a poem that evoked an immediate reaction?  Within minutes of e-mailing this poem, my mom and both of her sisters had either called or e-mailed back to make sure I wasn't thinking of doing anything drastic.  Granted, I have dealt with depression in the past, but that was mostly because I was striving so hard on finding a girlfriend and not focusing on my relationship with Christ.  What this poem is about is how even when we don't understand things that we go through while we're going through them, we should thank God anyway, as He has promised us that all things work together for good that love Him.  It's something my mom has always said, and one day I that thought was turning over in my head, eventually turning into what you see here.

Lord, you've been so good to me. How could I complain?
But the days come all too often, when I can't see past the pain.
I know you have a purpose. I know you have a plan.
I want to say that that's enough, but, Lord, I'm just a man.

I beg and plead for mercy, with a little touch of grace
To start me in the morning and get me through each day.

Then I remember all the storms you've brought me through.
For every trial that rages me, I get closer to you.
So even though I can't see the sunshine for the rain,
I'm gonna praise you, and thank you, anyway.

You kick away my crutches. You strip away my pride.
You take away what strength I have, 'til there's nothing left inside.
Some days I get so desperate to see a miracle break through,
But the miracle I don't expect is I get desperate for you.

And every time you make me into this empty cup,
Lord, you only do it so you can better fill me up.

So I'll thank you for the storm I'm going through.
For I know that when it's over, I'll be closer to you.
Right now I can't see your Son shining through the rain,
But I will praise you, and thank you, anyway.

Lord, I don't know how, but you'll get me through this day,
And I'll praise you, and thank you, anyway.
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Eph. 5:20

1/5/03