Poem January 24, 1925 Issue

Footsteps

Nellie A. Smith

Just a word, a smile, a handclasp,
Little though it seem to be,
May be just the act that's needful,
One to lead, dear Lord, to Thee.
Love masks not in cold avoidance,
Love is gentle, tender, true.
Only as we love, we're hearing
What it is Thou'lt have us do!

Do we seem to suffer heartache?
Do we seem to stand alone?
Does the way seem long and dreary?
None but we can e’er atone.
Only as we cease to murmur
O’er the problem great or small;
Only then we’re really doing;
Only then we’ve heard Love’s call!

‘Tis in vain we count the footsteps
Pressing onward to the goal;
‘Tis in vain we look behind us,
Where the shadows dimly roll.
As we stop to help our brother,
So in turn our blessings grow;
Only as we love, we’re living,
And by loving life doth flow.