Poems (Shipton)/Returning
For works with similar titles, see Returning.
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.