Solitary the occupation

Lonely the trodden road

Long the hours and

Great the labor

of the Pastor

Blessed is the ministering way

Having chosen

That better part

Forsaking earthly gain

On that course, set apart

No less needy is he

Of a word fitly spoken

To cheer with kind compassion

His heart, as he kneels, broken

Broken before the Lord

Like broken bread and poured out wine

Like Jesus, yielded

Demanding are the duties

Of the pastor’s wife

Expectations press

Little did she know

What would be required

Neither is this the life of ease

For the pastor’s child

Yet on some future day

What joy to hear

the Father’s “well done”

And what rest could be more sweet

Than the rest of them who poured

The costly oil of obedience

Upon their Master’s nail-pierced feet

Copyright STLloyd 2011