“On the Way to the house of Caiaphas,” The church of St Peter in Gallicantu
Life is painful. 

"No pain, no gain," people say. 
But I ask, "What am I getting out of it?" 
A day is like a thousand years to me. 
When I lie down I ask, "When will it be morning?"
When I get up I say, "When will it be night?"

In the valley of pain, 
I ask, "What am I getting out of it?" 
I mourn, I question, I contemplate.
And I begin to see gifts of pain. 

Pain brings clarity, 
putting life into perspective,
showing me what really matters,
refining me like gold. 

Pain brings connection, 
helping me feel other's pain,
telling me what they're going through,
binding us together. 

Pain brings contentment, 
pointing me toward God,
showing me who I am and who God is,
helping me find the joy of dependence. 

Life is painful, 
but still beautiful.