As much as I love the warm weather, Lord,
a cold drink, a cool breeze
offer welcome, refreshing relief…
And though I prefer the summer to fall,
a crisp autumn day is a bracing gift:
caressing my body and soul…
A clear blue sky opens wide my heart
but the mystery of clouds up above
stirs my dreams and imagination…
Under cover of darkness I rest and sleep,
leaving troubles and cares behind
– though I long for a new day’s dawn…
I sometimes pine for things I don’t have
– but counting my gifts and blessings,
I see I have more than I need…
And the sadness that’s mine in loss, in tears,
is my aching, daily reminder
that grief is the price of great love…
Sometimes life seems two sides of a coin
tossed daily, while I wait to see:
heads or tails? in or out? win or lose? up or down?
But sorrow and joy are siblings, Lord:
side by side, they live in my heart,
close companions, deep in my soul…
As partners they dance, one follows, one leads,
taking turns as rhythms and tempos change
from smooth, to off beat, to unknown…
Still, both are my friends, Lord, we’re all one in you:
your promise, my strength, when sorrow leads,
trusting joy will follow with healing grace…
No coin toss or chance determines my peace
your promise will never fail me, Lord,
your love’s ever faithful and true…
So, deepen my trust in the dance of life
with joy and sorrow, my partners
and you, Lord, the song in my heart…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
There’s a place of quiet stillness
‘tween the light and shadows reachWhere the hurting and the hopeless
seek everlasting peaceWords of men and songs of angels
whisper comfort bittersweetMending grief and life eternal
where joy and sorrow meet
There is a place where hope remainsIn crowns of thorns and crimson stainsAnd tears that fall on Jesus’ feetWhere joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place the lost surrender
and the weary will retreatFull of grace and mercy tender
in times of unbeliefFor the wounded there is healing,
strength is given to the weakBroken hearts find love redeeming
where joy and sorrow meet
There is a place where hope remainsIn crowns of thorns and crimson stainsAnd tears that fall on Jesus’ feetWhere joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place of thirst and hunger
where the roots of faith grow deepAnd there is rain and rolling thunder
when the road is rough and steepThere is hope in desperation
there is victory in defeatAt the cross of restoration
where joy and sorrow meet
There is a place where hope remainsIn crowns of thorns and crimson stainsAnd tears that fall on Jesus’ feetWhere joy and sorrow meet
