by Pat Severin

So many with their greeting say,
“Hello, so how’ve you been?”
and automatically we say, 
“I’m fine, how’ve you been, friend?”

And they respond, “Oh, I’ve been fine.
‘Twas nice to see you, friend.”
And so it goes and no one knows
the truth and that’s the end.

For no one really wants to hear
your laundry list of woes,
the pain and sorrow on your mind
from head down to your toes.

We know complaining does no good,
won't change the situation.
But there is One whose glad to hear
each big and small frustration.

Your Lord above who loves you so
is always poised and ready
to hear from you, no matter what,
His care is strong and steady.

He knows exactly how you’ve been.
He’s glad to hear your voice.
And He can help you through it all,
He’s always your best choice

for all your triumphs, sorrows, too,
each trial or tribulation.
He knows exactly how you feel
in every situation.

Take comfort in a God who knows
for now and for tomorrow.
He’s always there to always care,
through happiness or sorrow.

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Pat Severin is a retired Christian school teacher who serves her Lord in many ways, including teaching, church and teen ministries, and her current ministry of creating cards that include her original poems of encouragement. She sends these cards weekly to those going through difficult life struggles.
She has been published in Agape Review, Clayjar Review, Thewayback2ourselves, Words of the Lamb, Vessels of Light, Heart of Flesh and Pure in HeartStories. In addition, she has been published in many of the Southern Arizona Press Anthologies, as well as the following three books, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lessons I Learned from My Dog, I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and their Humans and most recently, When Love Wags a Tail: Inspiring Stories of Love, Loyalty and Laughter.