DO I RECOGNIZE YOU, LORD?

Do I recognize you, Lord,
in the people I meet along the way,
or in the events that happen to me?

Do I see you in the signs of the times,
perhaps urging me not to understand
but to believein the proddings of the Holy Spirit?

But some events are trying,
Lord,and some people to whose needs
I must respond do not appeal to me.

Why, Lord?Perhaps because I do not perceive You
within myself.For if I do, I should see clearly
with your vision, feel compassionately
with your heart, and touch the lives
of others with the gentleness of impact
characteristic of your own.

I cling with fervor (for they are a prop to me)
to the few and isolated encounters
You were exceedingly kind to give me
and in which You made vivid Your walking
with me and your leaving something
that "burned" within.

How wisely then You withdrew that consolation
in order that I may the better recognize You
with the clarity of distance.
For don't You often make Yourself
more easy to recognize when You
hide Your face?

Make my encounter with people and events
a renewal of faith in You, Lord.
Make me perceive You within myself
with an in-depth growth of love
that I may accept people hard to like
and situations hard to change.