There, into Peace

There, into peace, the spirit of the work-
Man makes its way.  Not deaf to Providence-
As one who questions long, or seeks to shirk
The call of God- but rather, in defense
Of those less able in his mind to cope,
Still labors on- attentive to the end
With those he loves.  Great men thus made who hope
In prayer live ever ready as a friend,
Through loving care inquiring all to know,
Both good and bad, for there the hand of God
Is seen- and in this knowledge, how to sow
Their energies and interests ever broad.

So precious to the Lord then comes the day,
When to Himself He calls such souls away.

-- K. Hartnett, February 2007

I wrote this for one of our pastors upon learning that his father had passed away.