When Have I Ever Loved You?

I came across a man sitting alone on the shore of the ocean, with no one speaking to him but the waves.  As I passed by him, his eyes looked to me for friendship, and I stopped to visit.  After an hour, when the sun was setting and we parted ways, I left with a void fulfilled, and a burning desire to know him more.

And in that night of slumber, I dreamt of ocean waves speaking to others.  I found the Lord sitting alone looking for companionship, and I stopped to visit.  When the sun called him home, we parted ways.  I had a void fulfilled and a burning desire to know him more.  One of the most interesting Men I have ever met.
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I picked up my child and held him close; and kissing his fat little cheeks, he giggled.  The little one reached out and touched my face; and I touched his pug nose.  He leaned forward with open mouth to place a kiss on my chin, and I laughed and felt good inside.

And in that night of slumber, I dreamt of the little Christ child with fatted cheeks.  When I kissed him, the little one touched my face; and leaning forward with open mouth, kissed my chin.  We both laughed, and I felt good inside.
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One day in my quiet neighborhood, a young child fell off her bike in front of my house.  With skinned knees and tearful eyes, she tried not to appear hurt.  I cleansed her wounds and applied bandages.  She thanked me with just a nod, and mounted her bike in another attempt at victory.

And in that night of slumber, I dreamt of a young fallen Lord.  I cleansed his wounds and bandaged his scrapes.  With a nod, he climbed back on, and rode off to victory.
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I ate a fine dinner the other day and finished with a brisk winter walk.  I happened across a hungry man, with no home or family, sitting in an alleyway.  He reached out and touched my fine clothing, asking for help.  I placed my cloak on him and took him to a quiet restaurant, and ate a meal with him.  When I left him in comfort, he thanked me with tears and a handshake.

And in that night of slumber, I dreamt of an alleyway with the Lord laying in hunger.  He reached out to touch me, asking for help.  I took him to my abode, and we shared a meal  with him breaking the bread.  He left me with my hunger abated, in comfort, as we departed.
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In the dead of Winter, in a park of barren trees and leaves that danced in the wind; I happened upon a young woman in tears sitting on a bench.  She grieved for the life that was no longer within her; guided by her fear, the little one was no more.  I held her close and consoled her.  Within her heart, I found nothing to condemn her.

And in that night of slumber, out of the cold wind the Lord came to me as a young woman, who gave up her little one before she bore him.  It was her grief I consoled, and I found no fault in her heart.  I held her close and the Lord consoled me.
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In a building with walls of brick and bars of steel, I spoke with a man guilty of crimes.  He had no family to share his thoughts, so I listened to his faults and failings.  His words rang true.  His sorrows laid deep as he offered recompense, and seeking forgiveness.

And in that night of slumber, I dreamt of the Lord sitting on a floor of stone charged with my failings.  I sat with him and listened, as he shared his wisdom gained.  His words burned within, and etched themselves in my heart, as I sought his forgiveness.
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On a battlefield amidst the fatality and devastation, I happened across a soldier; a young man on the edge of his life.  Mortally wounded, I held him in my arms.  When he exhaled his last breath and entered his silence of Silence, I closed his eyes for him, and I wept.

And in that night of restless slumber, as I laid awake remembering, I saw a hill covered with bones where I found the Lord crucified.  I held him up so he could breathe; but my strength failed me, and I let him go.  In his last exhale, he thanked me for my love.

I thought for many days hence, as to what love I may have had for the Lord.  I could not remember missing him, or visiting with him every chance I had.  Never had I yearned to be with him, or spoke of him to my friends.  I have not shown him any attention, other than the usual quest for favors.  Even in my dreams, I failed him. 

So, the next chance I had to speak with Him, I asked, 
  Lord, when have I ever loved you?

Before the words left my lips, I knew the answer.