A Childlike Spirit.
Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me;
The changes that will surely come,
I do not fear to see:
I ask thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing thee.
I ask thee for a thoughtful love,
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles,
And wipe the weeping eyes
A heart at leisure from itself,
To soothe and sympathize.
I would not have the restless will,
That hurries to and fro.
That seeks for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.
Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoever estate, '
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate
A work of lowly love to do
For Him on whom I wait.
I ask thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied
A mind to blend with outward life,
While keeping at thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If thou be glorified.
And if some things I do not ask
Among my blessings be,
I'd have my spirit filled the more
With grateful love to thee;
More careful not to serve thee much—
But please thee perfectly.
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