That's When

Occasion: During Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri I wound up in the post hospital with blood poisoning. I wrote this poem from my hospital room on April 9, 1987 upon hearing of my oldest brothers separation from his wife.

When my troubles all surround me,
Like mountains on all sides,
When I wallow in the mire of despair,
When I cannot see the bottom,
Of the pit of discontent,
When it seems that life is harsh and so unfair.

When I have no where to turn to,
When my path has met its end,
When I can't go on and all my strength is drained,
When pain has racked my body,
When my mind is fading fast,
When everything within my life is strained.

That's when I turn to you oh Lord,
That's when you turn to me,
That's when I focus on your shining face,
That's when I know you're there dear God,
That's when I lean on you,
That's when I feel your sweet, amazing grace.

When your blessings all surround me,
Like mountains on all sides,
When I'm swimming in the sea of sweet relief,
When I cannot see the end,
Of the plains of perfect peace,
When my life is without sorrow, pain or grief.

When the road that leads to happiness,
Lies before me clear and true,
When I have the strength to go the extra mile,
When my body is alive and well,
When my mind's alert and strong,
When everything in life seems so worthwhile.

That's when I turn to you oh Lord,
That's when you turn to me,
That's when I focus on your shining face,
That's when I know you're there, dear God,
That's when I lean on you,
That's when I feel your sweet, amazing grace.