Saturday Poetry Corner: As You Go Through Life

 

 

 

 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."
(Jeremiah 29:11)

 

 

Image courtesy/Dreamstime

 

 

 

 

 

Don't look for flaws as you go through life;

And even when you find them,

It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind
And look for the virtue behind them. 

The cloudiest night has a hint of light
Somewhere in its shadows hiding;
It is better by far to hunt for a star,
Than the spots on the sun abiding. 

 

The current of life runs ever away
To the bosom of God's great ocean.
Don't set your force 'gainst the river's course
And think to alter its motion. 

 

Don't waste a curse on the universe-
Remember it lived before you.
Don't butt at the storm with your puny form,
But bend and let it go o'er you. 

 

The world will never adjust itself
To suit your whims to the letter.
Some things must go wrong your whole life long,
And the sooner you know it the better.

 

It is folly to fight with the Infinite,
And go under at last in the wrestle;
The wiser man shapes into God's plan
As water shapes into a vessel. 

 

 

"As You Go Through Life"
(1883)
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
(1850-1919)
American writer and poetess