Classic Poem

With open eyes that look on God,
My daily journey I pursue:
I do not dread His lifted rod;
Why should I fear what Love can do?
And, if I need that He chastise,
Is He not good as He is wise?

I know if I but follow Him
I shall be safe from harm and make —
Albeit all the way be dim —
Nor slip nor failure nor mistake;
Or, making such, He will ordain
What seems my loss shall prove my gain.

And, though I look, to careless eyes,
A waif on pathless waters cast,
His faithful promise shall suffice
For stay and comfort to the last —
When, all my guarded wanderings o'er,
Let my safe feet but touch the shore,

And, like a child with home in sight,
I'll fall into His open arms,
Glad that I never felt affright,
Nor thought of Him as one who harms:
I, His dear child, or here, or there,
And He, my Father everywhere!