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IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

Dear Lord, with sorrow, I confession make
That while with joy I suffer for Thy sake,
Yet in the cares with which my days abound,
Where I should smile, I fear I often frown.
In days gone by I’ve murmured o’er and o’er,
And unkind words have left me feeling sore;
Those whom I come in contact with each day,
Disturb me oft by things they do and say.

And thoughtless actions have left such a sting
I could not find it in my heart to sing.
Lord, I’ll be honest with myself and Thee,
I have not been as sweet as I should be.
And I have said, “Too hard the wind doth blow,
Too hot the day, too much rain or snow,”
And tho’ at times I’ve checked the hasty word,
Still, in my heart rebellious murmurs stirred.

And I have thought that I could grow in grace
Much better, were I in another’s place.
Lord, to this whole long list I guilty plead;
And I am grieved o’er it, I am indeed;
And I am come to make a Vow to Thee,
That in the coming year, whate’er shall be
My portion, trials, cares, vexations, pain,
Dear Lord, I will not murmur nor complain.

And I will say when I arise each morn,
This day my Lord wants me to overcome,
“In everything give thanks,” this is His Word;
And I will school my heart to sweet accord.
I’ll thank Him for the sun, and for the rain;
I’ll thank Him for the sorrow and the pain;
And in the things which try my patience so
I’ll thank Him that I have a chance to show

How Sweet and Kind and Loving I can be,
How much His Holy Spirit dwells in me.
Dear Lord, I’ll trust Thee tho’ I do not know
Why I should walk the path I’m called to go.
I’ll give Thee thanks whatever be the way
Which Thou shalt lead me in from day to day;
Relying on Thy grace to see me through,
Lord, this is what I’ve promised Thee to do.

REBECCA FAIR DONEY.

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— December 15, 1911 —