Jesus’ arm beneath thy head,
Jesus’ love around thee shed,
Jesus’ light to cheer thy way,
Jesus’ ear to hear thee pray,
Jesus’ loving hand to bless
in this weary wilderness.
Jesus first and Jesus last
till earth’s storms are past.
And if aught forgotten be–
may he double it to thee.
~Anonymous
All of our life is but a response to Someone who has always loved us first.
On the occasion of my 25th anniversary of my Final Profession, I had the opportunity of choosing the music for the Mass of celebration. For the closing hymn, I chose the following song. It’s an anonymous poem put to music by one of our sisters. The language is a little quaint, but the message is so true for each of us–and yet we forget it all too often. All of our life is but a response to Someone who has always loved us first.
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
he moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.
It was not I that found, O Savior true.
No, I was found, found by Thee.Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold.
I walked and sank not on the stormy sea.
‘Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
as Thou, dear Lord, on me.I find, I walk, I love, but O the whole
of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou were long beforehand with my soul.
Always Thou lovedst me.
Always He loves you.
