The Things That Count

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 24, 1916

The Things That Count

Now, dear, it isn’t the bold things, Great deeds of valor and might, That count the most in the summing up Of life at the end of the day; But it is the doing of old things, Small things that are just and right, And doing them over and over again, No matter what others say; In smiling at fate when you want to cry, And in keeping at work when you want to play,— Dear, these are the things that count.

And, dear, it isn’t the new ways, Where the wonder seekers crowd, That lead us into the land of Content, Or help us to find our own; But it is in keeping to true ways, Though the music is not so loud, And there may be many a shadowed spot Where we journey along alone; In flinging a prayer in the face of fear, And in changing into a song a groan,— Dear, these are the things that count.

My dear, it isn’t the loud part Of creeds that is pleasing to God, Nor the chant of a prayer, nor the hum of a hymn, Or a jubilant shout or song; But it is the beautiful meek part Of walking with feet faith shod; And in loving, loving, loving through all, No matter how things go wrong; In trusting ever, though dark the day, And in keeping your hope when the way seems long,— Dear, these are the things that count.

—Selected.