Disappointment by Pearl Waggoner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 22, 1912

Disappointment

By Pearl Waggoner

WE see some golden fruit hang overhead; We plan for it; we think it is our own; We reach our hands; but lo, we find, instead, Within our eager palms a thorn alone.

The inviting path which looked to us so fair Is left for other feet than ours to tread; We come to it; a sudden fork is there: The path we would not choose is ours instead.

Are there no answered prayers? How oft it seems They are not heard,—are simply laid aside! How oft 'twould seem our choicest, dearest dreams Come but to taunt us, and to be denied!

And after all, some blessedness there is That none may find save in affliction's hour; When strength has failed, then just to trust to His, Reveals to us how real, how great, his power.

When daylight fair has faded from our sight, And when our eyes are aching and are dim, When rest comes not throughout the weary night, Then sweeter do we find the rest in him.

It is not needful for the wearied brain To question "Why?" and all earth's reasons know; Enough that One all-wise doth rule and reign, Who knows, who loves, and who has willed it so.

The change of key which else were discord rude Beneath the great Musician's touch may be The part remembered longest, as prelude To sweeter strains, diviner melody.

And sometime, at the ending of the way, When from its roughness we at last shall rest, On looking back we then shall see and say, "Each step the Father led us was the best."

Hinsdale, Ill.