BE HAPPY AS YOU CAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 8, 1877

BE HAPPY AS YOU CAN.

This life is not all sunshine, Nor is it, yet all showers, But storms and calms alternate, As thorns among the flowers. And while we seek the roses, The thorns fall oft we scan, Still let us, though they wound us, Be happy as we can.

This life has heavy crosses As well as joys to share, And griefs and disappointments Which you and I must bear. Yet, if misfortune’s lava Entombs Hope’s dearest plan, Let us, with what is left us, Be happy as we can.

The sum of our enjoyment Is made of little things, As oft the broadest rivers Are formed from smallest springs. By treasuring small waters, The rivers reach their span; So we increase our pleasures, Enjoying what we can.

There may be burning deserts Through which our feet must go, But there are green oases Where pleasant palm-trees grow. And if we may not follow The path our hearts would plan, Let us make all around us As happy as we can.

Perchance, we may not climb with Ambition to its goal, Still let us answer “Present,” When duty calls the roll. And whatever our appointment, Be nothing less than Man, And cheerful in submission, Be happy as we can.

—Baptist Weekly.