If every single day I live
Is crowned with shining sun,
How would I know the difference when
My race on earth had run?
If every step I take down here
Is tireless, light and free,
How would I know the difference when
I reach eternity?
If death and pain are strangers, too,
And only good I see,
How would I know, how could I show
God’s peace to all I see?
If I see only sunshine
And the brightness of God’s love,
How will I know the difference
When I get home above?
Has God given me the pain
And sorrow of a loss,
Is it to help and mold, and hold
Me nearer to the cross?
God in His wisdom knows what’s best,
Knows just how much I need
To fit me and refine me
So He my steps can lead.
So lead me, heavenly Father
Where You want me to go
Until You lead me safely
Throughout this life below.
And when my time on earth is through
And when the race I’ve run
By Your love and grace, up there
I’ll hear Your glad, “Well Done.”
Mary A. Round, Poems to Live By
(Belleville, ON: Essence Publishing, 1997), p.97-98