You've Always Been There

by Bobby Sparks
(Vandalia,Mo.)

Through good times & bad, You've always been there.
You've stood strong & patient, always showing You care.

You've been there in happy times throughout my youth.
Been there as I made bad choices, as painful as they've been, that is the truth.

I've felt the thorns of love, as relationships have crumbled,
& the thunderstorms in my life have rumbled.

You've been there to share my tears,
Carried me through my struggles and my fears.

You were there in spite of it all,
Even through the times I messed up & dropped the ball.

There are times You've had to want to yell & shake your head.

But no, not You, as your love has always nurtured me & my needs You have fed.

Times have been dark my dear friend,
yet You've always stood by me & I'm sure You will til my end.

You gave me the strength to stop drinking.
Now that true blessing has restored my clear thinking.

Your love for me has been beyond belief, yet I do...

That is I DO believe in You!

I'm not always patient, yet I still feel my life is a blessing.

Some might hear that & laugh, at least that's what I'm guessing.

You've been there at my brightest times & I hope I've made You smile.

I hope my good deeds have out done my bad deeds file.

You were there when life's roses have bloomed & my children were born,
& You've seen the title of dad is one I've proudly worn.

I look forward to moving on to even better days,
&, YOU, YOU are my best friend, God, in ALL ways!