I wonder in the garden
If the couple ever thought
That they had something greater
Than the glory that they sought
A perfect whole communion
With their great and loving Lord
The end that they were made for
To enjoy him in accord
No–I suppose– they did not think
Or really understand
Else they would not pick anything
But to remain in his hand
The greatest pain that man could know
As the branch seared from the vine
A stream cut off from its source
It’s waters to run dry
I wonder at that moment
That death was not the end
That the Lord still made a promise
That this union he would mend
But what I do not wonder
Is that when we don’t feel him near
Then our hearts are heavy
And often filled with fear
If we were truly made
To know him and be known
How could it not shake us
In the times we feel alone?
No, I never wonder
Because I know too well
Of the joy that is in his presence
And the pain when it’s not felt
But I wonder in that garden
Where he knelt to pray
That even through his trembling
He didn’t go another way
For I have nothing to offer
That he could ever need
So tell me why then on that cross
Did my Savior bleed?
And yet he saw it fitting
–And we praise him all the more–
That Christ offer up this sacrifice
Right relation to restore
So we who feel abandoned
Destitute, forlorn
In confidence can now draw near
The curtain has been torn
I wonder at this promise
This prayer for the distressed
Nothing can separate us from his love
In that, wonderer, rest.