Cards on the table

We go through our daily lives
Thinking we have it really tough
Yet if we were to look around
We would see: others too: have it rough
If we could take our problems?
Our hurts and all our pains...
Lay them upon the table: like cards
Show them all to our friends, neighbours
If they would show us: do the same...
Leaving nothing out: opening it all to our gaze
How many would be thankful to retrieve...
Their own cards; their own troubles...
Whilst finally understanding at last...
Having our own burdens to bear...
How lucky we all are to be alive?
How lucky we all are to have enough?
Of every basic need: would we be agreed?
Take up the cross that we each already bear
Being truly thankful that we have our needs
Carry on along life's track and smile
Knowing that Jesus has carried us a while
Giving us only as he promised...
No more than we can bear...