Youth began this adventure of want,
Of seeking a love to last for all times.
Under the weight of our great and grand expectations,
We sought out the one-of-a-kind.

It eluded our hearts as we pursued it,
Love here and there, sometimes peeking through.
Like a child hiding, waiting to be discovered,
Finding it was the only prize that would do.

In longing, we tried to grasp and hold on,
Not understanding the truth of the source.
Determined to name it, define it, and win,
The search faltered as we veered off course.

Help we would seek when it turned out all wrong,
Even if it had been wrong from the start.
Looking in places and faces on earth,
Our minds hardened our already claimed hearts.

Valentine’s cards, promised rings and wishes,
Even an extravagant gift or two.
Yearning for a celebration of acceptance,
Often only finding disappointment we knew.

Unyielding, we kept on traveling that road,
Reeling still from the loneliness inside.
Expecting a different result without end,
Simply ignoring the call to abide.

Every mirror and match could not quench the want,
All the fairytales and lies just fell flat.
Raising our hand for unconditional love,
Chasing people and food . . . even cats.

Hoping each one would fill this void we can’t shake,
Instinct hid the hole and masked all the pain.
Not comprehending the gift that was there in our reach,
Going our own way instead of calling His name.

Faithful He is to wait on us so,
On our side in this search from day one.
Recovering our loss again and again,
Watching in sorrow every time that we run.

He already has what it is that we need,
Every thought known, every wish and want heard.
Never once was He not already there,
Your hide and seek answers found in His word.

Our God is the only foundation that works,
Up above, His love patiently waits,
For our recognition and surrendered response,
In that decision, we then know what’s at stake.

Now, He asks of us this one more thing,
Demonstrate this lesson you’ve learned.
Make sure to love others and show them the way,
Eternal love is freely given and never has to be earned.