Forget the Past and Press On
By F. M. Wilcox
“I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” TIME’S rapid passing years,
How swift they flee away!
It seems but yesterday
The year just closed began.
How brightly beamed its face
When first it came with grace;
It banished doubts and fears;
Joy thrilled the heart once more—
The heart so grieved and sore;
New hope it gave to man. Swiftly its race was run.
As passes day of light,
As passes dark of night,
So passed its little span.
To some it brought delight,
To others death and blight,
With victory well-nigh won.
It turned sweet joy to pain,
Proved fond imag’nings vain,
Wrought havoc in life’s plan. But now another day,
With promise of new power
And hope and strength for dower,
Bids us forget the past,
Reach forth to heights ahead,
Leave failures with the dead,
From error flee away.
The mark is Christ’s own life,
In him is peace from strife,
Let faith his life hold fast. Press on the year to come.
In His own power divine,
Brighter the path shall shine
Along earth’s rugged way.
Love shall make light the load,
Song shall make short the road
Which leads to heaven and home.
Thus shall the heart be blest
With heaven’s eternal rest
Throughout each coming day.