Loving Pain

One shows one’s love by touch and smile and kiss,
these ways of love leave little to explain,  
yet there’s no doubt love’s really there with this:
when lovers prove true love with loving pain.

No greater love is there than this, He said,
to lay one’s own dear life down for a friend,
He gave up heaven, and took our pain instead,
laid down His life and suffered to the end.

Two fall in love and joyful marry, yet
they vow to take the pain as man and wife,
their love and pain grow with those they beget,
defending spouse and children with their life.

Like Yours, Lord, pain and love come in a mix,
that only true and painful love can fix.

                        by Pete Voelz        4/4/15