The hours of rest are over,
The hours of toil begin;
The stars above have faded,
The moon has ceased to shine.
The earth puts on her beauty
Beneath the sun's red ray;
And I must rise to labor.
What is my work to-day?
To search for truth and wisdom,
To live for Christ alone,
To run my race unburdened,
The goal my Father's throne;
To view by faith the promise,
While earthly hopes decay;
To serve the Lord with gladness--
This is my work to-day.
To shun the world's allurements,
To bear my cross therein,
To turn from all temptation,
To conquer every sin;
To linger, calm and patient,
Where duty bids me stay,
To go where God may lead me--
This is my work to-day.
To keep my troth unshaken,
Though others may deceive;
To give with willing pleasure,
Or still with joy receive;
To bring the mourner comfort,
To wipe sad tears away;
To help the timid doubter--
This is my work to-day.
To bear another's weakness,
To soothe another's pain;
To cheer the heart repentant,
And to forgive again;
To commune with the thoughtful,
To guide the young and gay;
To profit all in season--
This is my work to-day.
I think not of to-morrow,
Its trial or its task;
But still, with childlike spirit,
For present mercies ask.
With each returning morning
I cast old things away;
Life's journey lies before me;
My prayer is for TO-DAY.