Life’s Balance Sheet

If when the joyous day is gone,

I count the deeds that I have done,

And find one act, though small—

A loving word, a song, a smile—

That did some gladdened heart beguile,

Or to a soul recall

The sunlight of the Father’s love,

Then I will thank my God above.

If when the weary day is gone,

I count the deeds that I have done,

And find one act, though small—

A thoughtless word, a look of scorn,

That made a brother more forlorn,

Or caused his feet to fall,

Then I will pray my God above,

For more and more of His Pure love.

And when life’s toilsome journey’s done,

Its deeds complete, its songs all sung,

If I can truly say,

With heart and voice I did my best—

To point the Father’s Heavenly rest

To all who will obey;

Then I will praise my God above

And ever dwell in His pure love.