I THINK we are too ready with complaint
In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope
Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope
Of yon gray blank of sky, we might grow faint
To muse upon eternity's constraint
Round our aspirant souls; but since the scope
Must widen early, is it well to droop,
For a few days consumed in loss and taint ?
O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted
And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road
Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread
Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod
To meet the flints ? At least it may be said
' Because the way is short, I thank thee, God. '
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning
In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope
Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope
Of yon gray blank of sky, we might grow faint
To muse upon eternity's constraint
Round our aspirant souls; but since the scope
Must widen early, is it well to droop,
For a few days consumed in loss and taint ?
O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted
And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road
Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread
Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod
To meet the flints ? At least it may be said
' Because the way is short, I thank thee, God. '
--Elizabeth Barrett Browning
There is always SOMETHING to be thankful for, as EBB wrote. If the road is rough, then that it is short. If the day is hot, then at least we are working in the shade. If the work is hard, then at least we have good companions working with us, or that the birds are singing, or that a good meal is awaiting us at home.
ReplyDeleteAnd always, always, that God is with us, looking out for us, directing all for the best.
Thank you Kindred Spirit.
Must we be taught to be cheerful? Sometimes. Maybe sometimes it takes that special effort to look beyond the present moment. It also takes that special effort to remember that God is with us even when it seems that He is not.
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome, Robert. Thank you for your words of wisdom; they are very edifying. I hope that you are feeling better, and I am remembering you in my prayers. Hannah, your words made me ask myself the same question. My role model for cheerfulness is Saint Therese who never complained throughout her sufferings but just continued to love. May Almighty God bless you both.
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