Where Will They Sleep?

The Montrose Street Reach program hosts a worship service and provides dinner for the homeless each Wed. night in a parking lot off Montrose street. Tonight we went and served dinner. Before dinner, in a corner of the parking lot we watched the children while the adults participated in the service. As I played with the kids, all I could think was, "Where will they sleep tonight?" It's an interesting fact that children don't choose their parents. Children don't choose where they will live, and they don't choose where they sleep.

As I snuggled into my soft bed after a warm bath in the cool of the air condition and the fan gently blowing, I wondered, "Where are their small heads gently resting?" Is the wind blowing on their faces? Have they had a bath? What do they hear - sirens, other people roaming the streets?

God protect the children who sleep outside tonight.
Blow a gentle breeze across their clear smooth skin.
Place a soft cushion of earth beneath their heads.
And let them feel a gentle hug as they snuggle in.

God keep them safe from harm.
Fill their minds with dreams of you.
Let their slumber be a sweet haven.
Away from all life has them do.

God bless them with a bath
And clean clothes when they arise.
Give them breakfast from some unknown place.
And a beautiful sunset when they open up their eyes.

God pull them from the life they live.
Show them a better way.
Teach them hard work and reward.
As they grow in you each day.

Most importantly, God,

Please choose them as your own.

Draw them to the cross that saves

Make your true love to them known.

So Lord I do not know where

the children sleep tonight.

But I know you see each one,

They are never from your sight.

Hold them close tonight.

Love them wherever they are.

Meet their every need.

As they dream under the stars.