All The While Poem by Carmela Patterson

When first I heard of you, O Lord, I knew not who you were.
My young heart knew nothing outside my own concern
I had not the guidance in my early years to learn
With Baptism at seven, my heart began to burn
And as I grew I was able to discern
You were with me all the while.

If not for the man of God who evangelized in our neighborhood
Who knocked on every door and came to our own row home
I do not know where I might have been or come to roam
Buried in sin infected mire or in a frothy dampened loam
But you chose my soul to groom as with a fine tooth comb
You were with me all the while.

When I began to learn of you, O Lord, you won my heart
You guided me from early childhood to my adult years
Allaying through your grace all of my unfounded fears
Drying each and every single one of my copious tears
And still through your Holy Spirit my soul hears.
You were with me all the while

As the years unfold and I grow old
Thank God my poor soul was not sold
I kicked satan to the ground and still do
As I stumble, get up again, and reach for you
The rough journey will all be worth it one day
As I reach heaven's gate and hear you say
'I am the Truth, the Life and the Way
and
I was with you all the while! '

Yes, Lord, you were with me all the while.