My Task

To probe my depths of soul and curb my will,

To yield me to my elders and be still,

To fairly play my part—

And strive when falls my heart—

This is my task!

To curb my tongue, set on my lips a seal,

To keep within my soul the things I feel,

To gentle be—not curt—

And smile away all hurt—

This is my task!

To forget my wrong, think of the pain I give,

To generous be and free from envy live,

To lift up those who fall

And kindly deal with all—

This is my task!

To love all men, yet hold no one too dear,

To keep my faith when injuries appear,

And none to loudly laud

But live my trust to God—

This is my task!

To make this world through love a bit more glad,

To give myself in service for the sad,

To lighten doubts and fears

And learn to dry the tears—

This is my task!

To live these things above with all my might,

To face success and failure every night,

To bravely then repair

And smile against despair—

This is my task!

To love my Christ more dearly every day,

To let Him guide my steps along the way,

To smile when evening falls

And answer when He calls—

This is my task!

-       Vera Madeline Crider