God's Appointment and Disappointment
By Margaret E. Sangster
This thing on which thy heart was set, this thing that cannot be,
This weary, disappointing day, that dawns, my friend, for thee,—
Be comforted; God knoweth best, the God whose name is Love,
Whose tender care is evermore our passing lives above.
He sends thee disappointment? Well, then, take it from his hand.
Shall God's appointment seem less good than what thyself had planned? 'Twas in thy mind to go abroad. He bids thee stay at home?
Oh! happy home; thrice happy if to it thy guest He come. 'Twas in thy mind thy friend to see. The Lord says, "Nay, not yet."
Be confident; the meeting-time thy Lord will not forget. 'Twas in thy mind to work for him. His will is, "Child, sit still;"
And surely 'tis thy blessedness to mind the Master's will.
Accept thy disappointment, friend, thy gift from God's own hand.
Shall God's appointment seem less good than what thyself had planned? So, day by day and step by step, sustain thy failing strength,
From strength to strength, indeed, go on through all the journey's length.
God bids thee tarry now and then, forbear the weak complaint;
God's leisure brings the weary rest, and cordial gives the faint.
God bids thee labor, and the place is thick with thorn and brier;
But he will share the hardest task, until he calls thee higher.
So take each disappointment, friend; 'tis at thy Lord's command;
Shall God's appointment seem less good than what thyself had planned?
—Margaret E. Sangster.