A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

Today, in church, the subject was "What is your favorite hymn?" There were several speakers who shared their favorites, and then we sang each hymn as they shared thoughts about them. As I listened, I flipped through the hymnbook, trying to decide which was my favorite. There were so many hymns that have touched my life in one way or another. Because I Have Been Given Much, The Spirit of God Like A Fire Is Burning, As I Search the Holy Scriptures, Each Life That Touches Ours For Good.. and I could go on and on. So, I can't really pick a favorite, but I wanted to share one hymn today. This hymn has special meaning to me this Christmas. I've been helping my sister's foundation - The Four of Hearts - trying to provide Christmas for 16 families this year. My whole family got involved: Rick helped set up and clean up at our last sale, Michael helped load and unload boxes and clothing at several of our sales, Alex and Matthew helped unload, wrap gifts, and deliver, and Grant helped gather donated gifts from the community. Helping Kris's family was a great opportunity to teach the kids about love and charity. I'm very proud of all of the boys who participated this year - not just my own kids, but my nephews and their friends as well. The following hymn is a reminder that as we "love one another" and serve and help those who are less fortunate than us, we are loving and serving the Savior, and becoming more like him...

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

A poor wayfaring man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not power to ask his name
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel's portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst
Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
The heedless water mocked his thirst;
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
I ran and raised the suff'rer up;
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
Dipped and returned it running o'er;
I drank and never thirsted more.

'Twas night; the floods were out; it bles
A winter hurricane aloof.
I heard his voice abroad and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof.
I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest
And laid him on my couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and seemed
In Eden's garden while I dreamed.

Stripped, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment - he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

In pris'n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor's doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.
My friendship's utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, "I will!"

Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in His hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name He named,
"Of Me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto Me."