My Sweet Sorrow

Sweet sorrow, my joy is joined with you,
Although your darkened shapes shift through my view,
And speak to me in such a somber tone
Of all the pleasant places I have known.

But can I climb the highest mountain top
Without the valley floor as my first stop,
And how can I rise without a fall?
Could I grow strong without first being small?

Oh Lord, Your hallowed hand has hollowed me
Into a vessel to be filled joyfully,
And I shall revel in my sweet sorrow.
This weakness strengthens me for tomorrow.

So as my tears may tumble down tonight,
My mourning will be made into delight.
For now I may be weak, but not for long.
In Christ, I'll once again be made strong.