The Best We Can

When things don’t go to please us
Is it wisdom to despair?
With a friend at hand who sees us,
And will make the shadows fair?
Shall we let our courage falter,
Fail to sympathize with man?
Fortune’s ways are bound to alter
If we do the best we can.

The light is often hidden
Yet our feet are safely shod,
While we do as we are bidden
Putting perfect trust in God.
He will lead His children ever,
As he has since time began,
And will strengthen each endeavor,
When we do the best we can.

The rugged way, but certain,
Is a blissful way to tread;
Care is ready like a curtain,
To obstruct the path ahead.
Clouds will come, no use repining,
Yonder trial, joy outran,
Brightly still the sun is shining,
We must do the best we can.

If things don’t go to please us
There is little need to fret,
Shall a trifle more to tease us,
Make us gratitude forget?
Needless then to stand debating;
Love will any chasm span;
Winning is a way of stating:--
“We have done the best we can.”