Oft when of God we ask
For fuller, happier life,
He sets us some new task
Involving care and strife;
Is this the boon for which we sought?
Has prayer new trouble on us brought?
This is indeed the boon,
Though strange to us it seems;
We pierce the rock, and soon
The blessing on us streams;
For when we are the most athirst,
Then the clear waters on us burst.
We toil as in the field
Wherein, to us unknown,
A treasure lies concealed
Which may be all our own.
And shall we of the toil complain
That speedily will bring such gain?
We dig the wells of life,
And God the waters gives;
We win our way by strife,
Then he within us lives;
And only war could make us meet
For peace so sacred and so sweet.
--Thomas Toke Lynch.