Classic Poem

The new year has dawned and we meet it with gladness,
And today is a day of frolic and joy,
Notwithstanding some hearts are bowed down with sadness,
But we who are happy should pray for their joy.

I resolve today to make others happy and serve the great King
Who is supreme over all, to do all in my power
To make the world better by a Christian example
And answering when he calls.

This my forty-sixth New Year — I have been blest and lucky,
While others are gone and their voices hushed in death;
But I am here and spared to my family,
With my husband and children and friends to enjoy.

I look ahead away in the future, as well as thank God of love
For the past, to know when life is ended we have wound up
Our work here with hoping and trusting our Blessed Redeemer,
We'll bid farewell to earth and go home at last.

We should be careful in rearing our children and teach them the things
That will add to their lives, that will inspire them to think,
And act for the Master, and share responsibilities of this life's great burden,
And feel it is a duty they must perform.

I could say more, though it gives me pleasure to know
I have lived through sadness and sorrow as well as pleasure and pain;
I know what it is to be sad and heart-broken, but trusting God
Has brought peace and happiness again.