On the poetic side.......

The Power Of Pain

Our Father knows what's best for us

so why should we complain?

We always want the sunshine,

but he knows there must be rain.

We love the sound of laughter

and the merriment of cheer

But our hearts would lose their tenderness

if we never shed a tear.

For growing trees are strengthened

when they withstand the storm,

And the sharp cut of the chisel

gives the diamond grace and form.

God never hurts us needlessly,

and he never wastes our pain,

For every loss he sends to us is followed by rich gain.

And when we count the blessings that God so freely sent,

We'll find no cause for murmuring,

and no time to lament.

For our Father loves his children

and to him all things are plain,

So he never sends us pleasure

when the soul's deep need is pain.

So whenever we are troubled,

and when everything goes wrong,

We know God's working in our hearts,

to make our spirit strong.

By Amy Carmichael