Musings by Mariane
Monthly Column by Mariane Holbrook

You wake up every morning and it seems you haven't slept.
You know another day has dawned, a day you must accept.
Your loved one in that sterile room is waiting for you now;
You know that you'll get through the day, but still you're wondering how.

 For weeks you've made that anxious trip to try to ease her pain.
You pray each visit that you make will not be made in vain.
You see her suffer, hold her tight, and wipe away her tears.
You tell her Jesus loves her and can calm her mounting fears.

You choose her favorite verses from the Bible that you bring,
Encourage her to join you in the praises that you sing.
You hold her hand, begin to pray and soon you hear God's voice,
"My children, I am here and though it seems you have no choice,
Your pleas aren't falling on deaf ears, for I've known suffering, too;
I suffered on that cross to give eternal life to you.

"So trust in me, I'll never give you more than you can bear;
I see my child who's hurting and my child who's giving care.
I've wrapped my arms around you both, and I will hold you near;
One day it will be over and the pain will disappear."

God has a special love for those who minister and care,
When life seems very hard for you and sometimes seems unfair.
One day will be Awards Day and He'll show the prize you'll claim
And heaven will erupt in cheers, when God calls out your name.