I've been hurting a while and it's sure not much fun
But it's changing my whole point of view.
Pain has a way of doing some things
That no other feelings can do.
The first thing it does is to tell you up front
"You're not going to like me too much,
But I promise to leave just as soon as I can,
Until then, I'll just keep in touch."

I've lived long enough to know there'll be times
When I'll take my turn at the bat.
I've broken bones ... a few kidney stones,
'Been "sick as a horse" and all that.
But beyond all the average, run of the mill
Suffering we all have to do,
The level of pain that's been hanging around,
Has taught me a new thing or two.

I'm giving more thought to some people I know
And to others I've just heart about
Who have to endure unbelievable things
That would just turn me inside out.
I'm not wise enough to figure out why
Good folk have such burdens to bear,
But pain of my own, which is nothing like theirs,
Fills my heart with compassion and care.

Pain must have a point if it knocks at your door.
It must have some place in God's plan.
It may be to warn you that something is wrong,
Telling you to get help while you can.
As a young child it told me, "don't touch something hot",
As a boy, "now watch what you say".
I learned to avoid some painful black eyes,
'Cause I'd much rather run and play.

As a young man pain said, "If you drink too much booze,
I'll come back to haunt you 'bout dawn."
By headache delivery, pain said "I'm still here
And your night on the town is long gone."
Somewhere down the line I finally learned,
That pain plays a part in each life;
There are some things in life worth suffering for;
Many others, just pay off for strife!

You can sometimes avoid pain, sometimes you can't.
It hurts just the same either way.
But I know Someone with power to control it.
That's reason enough to pray!
He's the One who has gone to prepare us a place
Where pain can't even get in.
Until then I'll just do the best that I can,
And keep trusting Jesus 'til then.

So I hope and I pray to stay out of pain's way,
I prefer to not hurt, that is true.
For if pain barges in, I'll ask God once again
For the grace to be strong.  Wouldn't you?
 

Featured Writer:  Frank Denton

For more from Frank, visit his website at http://www.countrypoet.com
 

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