Up-Hill

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
   Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole
      long day?
   From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-
      place?
   A roof for when the slow dark hours
          begin.
May not the darkness hide it from my
      face?
   You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
   Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just
      in sight?
   They will not keep you standing at
      that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and
      weak?
   Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who
      seek?
   Yea, beds for all who come.

   ~ Christina Georgina Rossetti

The Way Before Me

I know not the way before me,
   But Jesus will guide me still;
And so, in His mercy trusting,
   I patiently wait His will.

I know not the cares or sorrows
   That into my life may fall,
But Jesus, my loving Savior,
   Will give me the grace for all.

I know not the way before me,
   But Jesus my Lord is near,
To shelter, protect and keep me;
   Then why should I doubt or fear?

I know not the way before me,
   But this to my soul is given--
The promise of life eternal,
   A home and a rest in heaven.

                   ~ Fanny Crosby

Respite

Just beyond the rapids
And then beyond the falls,
Lies a pool of cool, calm water --
Still
Smooth
Tranquil . . .

So it is with life --

Just beyond the crisis
And then beyond the chaos,
Comes an interlude of cool, calm rest --
Peaceful
Soothing
Blessed by God.

        ~ Nancy Neff Dostie

The Secret

I met God in the morning
When my day was at its best,
And His presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.

All day long the Presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,
but the winds that seemed to drive them
Brought to us a peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind,
When I too had loosed the moorings,
With the Presence left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way:
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day!

--Ralph Spaulding Cushman