Poems (Shipton)/Returning

by Anna Shipton

RETURNING.

Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest."—Mark x. 21.

Once I said: Master, tell me
 How Thy kingdom to attain;
What shall fit me for Thy presence?
 How Thy favor may I gain?

"Leave," He said, "thy rich possessions;
 Come, and thou shalt fitted be
For the kingdom of My Father:
 Take thy cross, and follow Me."

Then I turned me full of sorrow,
 Counting up life's precious store;
For I knew not all the idols
 Cherished in my heart before.

But the Saviour looked upon me,
 And He loved me; oh, how well!
Love awaked new life within me,
 Light upon my spirit fell.

Then how poor were my possessions,
 And my treasures mean and dim:
Jesus Christ had smiled upon me;
 I returned and followed Him.

O my Lord! Thy smile was favor,
 Though on my cold heart it shone;
And Thy love is life eternal:
 So my wandering heart was won.