Even when You’re Not! by John Pickering

Former Archdiocese of Suva Director of Communication John Pickering writes this powerful poem on the journey of faith through this pandemic.

Mr. Pickering’s written piece titled Even When You’re Not! hopes to capture where we might be and where God may be during this pandemic and the assurances that God’s grace will always provide for us.

Even when You’re Not!

God is never late or early, God is always on time
Impatience is on our side, But God says I am here
What may seem a lifetime of waiting is but a fleeting moment
Never late or early, I am always on time
Even when you’re not!
Our world is endangered by war, calamity, and strife
A pandemic rage, chaos pervades
Where is God we ask? Is God even here at all?
I am here God says,
Never late or early, but always on time
Even when you’re not!
Indeed, I am here, never far but always near
Look into eyes of pain, suffering, and neglect
In hearts of kindness and generosity, I abide
Never late or early, but always on time
Even when you’re not!
In curfew and lockdown, in fear and darkness
Be not Afraid! Trust in me and trust in God
Go to a lonely place and pray as I once did
I will come to you, be patient
For I am never late or early
Even when you’re not!
Be extensions of my love, my heart, and my peace
Even when you feel I’m not there, just wait
I will come to you
Never late or early but always on time
Even when you’re not!
Your every fear, worry, and anxiety
To me, you must bring, and I will give you rest
For my yoke is easy, my burden light
Do not despair but come
I assure you I am here
For I am never late or early. but always on time
Even when you’re not!

– John Pickering