When some great sorrow, like a mighty river

October 28

When some great sorrow, like a mighty river,
Flows thro’ your life with peace destroying power,
And dearest things are swept from sight forever,
Say to your aching heart each trying hour:
This, too, this, too, will pass away.

When ceaseless toil has hushed your song of gladness,
And you have grown almost too tired to pray,
Let this truth banish from your heart its sadness,
And ease the burdens of each trying day:
This, too, this, too, will pass away.

When fortune smiles, and full of mirth and pleasure,
The days are flitting by without a care,
Lest you should rest with only earthly treasure,
Let these few words their fullest import bear:
This, too, this, too, will pass away.

When earnest labor brings you fame and glory,
And all earth’s noblest ones upon you smile,
Remember that life’s longest, grandest story
Fills but a moment in earth’s little while:
This, too, this, too, will pass away.

Chorus
Thank God that earthly things are not forever,
Thank God, eternal life is free from care;
That joy and peace, and gladness reigning ever,
And bliss supreme
Shall never, never pass away.
     Lanta Wilson Smith