SOME time, when all life’s lessons have been learned,
And sun and stars for evermore have set,
The things which our weak judgment here had spurned,
The things o’er which we grieve with lashes wet―
Will flash before us out of life’s dark night,
As stars shine most in deeper tints of blue;
And we shall see how all God’s plans were right,
And how what seemed reproof was love most true.
And we shall see, that, while we frown and sigh,
God’s plans go on as best for you and me;
How, when we called, He heeded not our cry,
Because His wisdom to the end could see:
And e’en as prudent parents disallow
Too much of sweet to craving babyhood,
So God perhaps, is keeping from us now
Life’s sweetest things, because He knows it good.
And if, some time, commingled with life’s wine,
We find the wormwood, and rebel and shrink,
Be sure a wiser Hand than yours or mine
Pours out this portion for our lips to stink;
And as some friend we love is lying low,
Beyond the reach of human help and ease,
O, trust in Him from Whom all mercies flow,
And bear your sorrow in His wondrous peace.
And you shall shortly know that lengthened breath
Is not the sweetest gift God sends His own;
And that sometimes the change which men call death
Conceals the fairest boon His love makes known.
And when we enter through the gates of life,
And stand within, and there God’s workings see,
We’ll know that all earth’s mystery and strife
Are problems deep, of which He holds the key.
But not today. Then be content, O heart;
God’s plans like lilies pure and white unfold;
We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart,
Time will reveal the calyxes of gold.
And when through His free grace we reach the land
Where tired feet, all journeyings o’er, may rest;
When we shall clearly see and understand,
I know that we shall say, “Our God knows best.”