Only An Hour

Have you ever wanted to spend time with someone you loved … but they were too busy?

That’s how I felt one day when I asked my daughter to join me for breakfast.

But she was too busy.  She had lots to do.  And plans with friends.

Now, I know that it is normal behavior for a teenager (she was 17 at the time) to prefer their friends over their parents.  And I am not the clingy sort of parent at all.  But it did sting.

I wanted so much to listen to her, enjoy her, and just bless her.  It wouldn’t have taken long.  Only an hour.  Then she could run off and do all the stuff she had planned.  But keeping company with me just wasn’t on her priority list.

So, I went to the park instead.  And poured out my heart to the Lord. 

“Lord, I love her!  I just wanted to be with her for an hour.  Why couldn’t she take the time to be with me? Was I asking so much?”

I was caught off guard by His response.

“Yes, I know.  That is how I feel about you.”

“Whaaaat?” 

As I spent that hour with the Lord instead, I felt like this was what He said to me:

~~~

Only An Hour

It was only an hour I wanted to spend
With you, my beloved, friend with friend.
To speak of our dreams, to plan, and to talk
To eat and to drink, and talk of whatnot.

But you couldn’t wait, you couldn’t stay
For you had much to do that day.
Do you not love me enough to stay
Only an hour before you play?

Come away, my love, and let us partake
Of friendship delights none else can make.
Show me your mind, your thoughts, and your fears
I’ll listen intently.  I’ll share your tears.

It was only an hour I wanted with you
But you were too busy with things you must do.
I asked you to join me, but you couldn’t wait
For even an hour to start your day.

I could see you felt guilty, half wanting to stay
But so many things drew you away.
My heart felt the pinch, my eyes swelled with tears
For you did not love me as much as your peers.

Can you not spare an hour for me
Before you run off to do as you please?
Do I ask so much that you cannot give
What is an hour with so much to live?

Only an hour is all it would take
If you’d stay with me, a change it would make.
I would listen and love as only I can
To you, my beloved, and show you my plan.

I promise its value is more than it seems
For only an hour I give every thing.
All comfort and joy, all wisdom and help
I give you, my darling, when you give me your self.

Things that cannot be bought or contrived
No one in the world gives so freely as I.
One thing I ask, the thing you can give
Spend an hour with me each day that you live.

I love you true and you’ll love me, too
When you see for yourself what an hour can do.

~~~

The Lord is waiting for you.

Do you have time for Him?

 

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion.  (Isaiah 30:18 NLT)

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