Once in my life...

Once in my life was much despair.
Once in the past I knew no God.
Once I was lost and ran for pleasures,
I sought them, though I found them not.

I tried to go with Work & Travel.
But where's my happy life abroad?
Did I enjoyed my idols, revel?
Where are my idols? You forgot?

God took them in a half a year.
I learned that happiness is close.
News of true happiness and pleasure
God sent me through my friend, of course.

Oh, thank you, God, for brother Ewan! -
This faithful guy with a little flock,
Who has rejected cosy living
In Colorado and New York,

Who told me of my state and how
I can restore my broken heart,
And how I can reconcile
And truly happy be with God.

And when I saw the Gospel's riches,
How filling is the life of faith,
My empty comfort-seeking efforts
I  left behind in my race.

I got the pleasure in my living:
A higher goal, a higher God.
My life transformed and started beaming.
I found more than I have sought.

I was forgiven for my failures,
For all my sins, my selfishness.
Through Christ I was redeemed, restructured.
I got a new heart. I got faith.

And now I live like never dreamed to.
My life is filled with You, my God.
It's full of sense, it's full of meaning.
And I enjoy so much my lot.

My thankful heart is warmed and melted
Of just remembering Your grace,
Of just embracing all the changes
You did in me - a basket case.

My heart is warmed, and soft, and melted.
My life is in Your loving hand.
My Lord, I thank You for Your treasure
I found and I'll keep till end.

Andre Anokhin
8.03.19