Sometime by M.R. Smith

Sometime, when all life’s lessons have been learned,

And sun and stars forevermore have set,

   The things which our weak judgment here have spurned, 
     The things o'er which we grieved with lashes wet. 
   Will flash before us, out of life's dark night. 
     As stars shine more in deeper tints of blue. 
   And we shall see how all God's plans were right, 
     And how what seemed reproof was love most true. 
   
   And we shall see how, while we frown and sigh, 
     God's plans go on as best for you and me; 
   How, when we called, He heeded not our cry, 
     Because His wisdom to the end could see. 
   And even as prudent parents disallow 
     Too much of sweet to craving babyhood. 
   So God, perhaps, is keeping from us now, 
     Life's sweetest things, because it seemeth good. 
   
   And if, sometimes, commingled with life's wine. 
     We find the wormwood and rebel and shrink. 
   Be sure a wiser hand than yours or mine. 
     Pours out this potion for our lips to drink. 
   And if some friend we love is lying low, 
     Where human kisses cannot reach his face, 
   Oh, do not blame the loving Father so, 
     But wear your sorrow with obedient grace. 
   
   And you shall shortly know that lengthened breath 
     Is not the sweetest gift God sends His friend. 
   And that sometimes the sable pall of death 
     Conceals the fairest boon His love can send. 
   If we could push ajar the gates of life 
     And stand within, and all God's workings see, 
   We could interpret all this doubt and strife, 
     And for each mystery would find a key. 
   
   But not today, then be content, poor heart!
     God's plans, like lilies, pure and white unfold, 
   We must not tear the close shut leaves apart; 
     Time will reveal the hidden cups of gold. 
   And if, through patient toil, we reach the land 
     Where weary feet, with sandals loose, may rest, 
   Then we shall know and clearly understand – 
     I think that we shall say, "Our God knew best!" 

By M. R. Smith., Quoted by Bishop Huntington in Long, Simon Peter. The Eternal Epistle. Columbus, OH: F.J. Herr Co., 1908.