My Thanks


Across the seas, in lands beyond,
The saints and martyrs glow.
How can I stand before your face
With those who suffered so?

When I've forgotten e'en to pray
For them for days ~~ for weeks;
And I have suffered nothing
For the kingdom that I seek.

What joy 'twould be to clasp the hand
Of one who stood for You;
Nor ere denied one single word
Of Yours they knew 'twas true;

But can my eyes e'er look in theirs?
(For they have given all) ~~
And I, who could, can scarcely seem
To speak Your name at all.

Oh, God! I can but wonder ~~
For I love those saints so true, ~~
I've never suffered for Your sake,
But, Lord, I love You too.

Help me, gracious Lord, to do
And say the things I should;
To stand for right and ne'er deny
One portion of Thy word.

One glorious day we'll stand before
Thy throne and see Thy face;
Hand in hand we'll marvel at
The wonder of Your grace.

Thank You, Lord, that time will be
Measured never more;
And I can take eternity
To thank those I adore!

© by Joan Clifton Costner