p. 412 | The Home Circle

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 2, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 26.

The Home Circle.

THE LESSON OF THE RIPPLES.

I WALKED at evening by the lake; The air was hushed, and all was still. I could not hear a ripple break, Or leaf stir on the wooded hill.

My heart was sad with long desire, With aims it could not realize. Hope seemed to fade like sunset fire Upon the borders of the skies.

I took a pebble, round and white, And idly cast it from the shore. It vanished, wavering out of sight, And I could see its gleam no more.

“Such are the deeds which I have done— All lost in life’s great deep!” I cried. “I cast them, round and white, each one, And they have vanished in the tide.”

But, even as I spoke, there came A silv’ry rhythm at my feet, And, looking down, I saw with shame The ripples on the white stones beat!

And then I looked into the sky, And one bright shining star was there, Like angel presence waiting nigh To fly to Heaven with a prayer.

“I thank thee, God in Heaven!” I cried, “For the sweet lesson thou hast sent. Help me henceforth thy times to bide, Striving and waiting with content.” —Sel.