Not Far From Home

How far from home?
I asked, as on I bent my steps—the watchman spake:

“The long, dark night is almost gone,

The morning soon will break.

Then weep no more, but speed thy flight,

With Hope’s bright star thy guiding ray,

Till thou shalt reach the realms of light,

In everlasting day.”

I asked the warrior on the field;
This was his soul inspiring song:

“With courage bold, the sword I’ll wield,

The battle is not long.

Then weep no more, but well endure

The conflict, till thy work is done;

For this we know, the prize is sure,

When victory is won.”

I asked again; earth, sea and sun
Seemed, with one voice, to make reply:

“Time’s wasting sands are nearly run,

Eternity is nigh.

Then weep no more—with warning tones,

Portentous sights are thickening round,

The whole creation, waiting, groans,

To hear the trumpet sound.”

Not far from home!
O blessed thought!

Which oft a healing balm has brought,

And dried the mourner’s tear.

Then weep no more, since we shall meet

Where weary footsteps never roam—

Our trials past, our joys complete,

Safe in our Father’s home.

-Annie R. Smith

In loving memory of a dear relative who has been called from this life. And a tribute to his dear wife who has been unswervingly faithful in everything that life has brought to her and it has not been easy. The Lord is faithful and His grace is sufficient for us, and we have this hope of one day in glory all together, never to part again.