Does the journey seem long, the path rugged and steep?
Are there briars and thorns on the way?
Do sharp stones cut your feet as you struggle to rise
To the heights thru the heat of the day?
Is your heart faint and sad, your soul weary within,
As you toil 'neath your burden of care?
Does the load heavy seem you are forced now to lift?
Is there no one your burden to share?
Let your heart be not faint now the journey's begun;
There is One who still beckons to you.
So look upward in joy and take hold of His hand;
He will lead you to heights that are new.
A land holy and pure, where all trouble doth end,
And your life shall be free from all sin,
Where no tears shall be shed, for no sorrows remain.
Take His hand and with Him enter in.
Written by Joseph Fielding Smith
(1876--1972)
I read this song today during the sacrament service, and it felt like a warm, comfortable arm had been placed around my shoulders. It isn't used much in church for singing, so it isn't familiar to many. However there was a really gentle version performed by the Tabernacle Choir in conference last fall that is faithful to the quiet spirit of the poem. It made me think of a few dear ones -- family and friends -- and I wanted to post this so that they might read the words, then listen to the performance, and feel that comfortable hug that I felt today. I recognize that the "joy" in the song may be referencing the Eternal Joy to be experienced when we return to our home in heaven. But, it is my experience that we can feel joy now, too, as we toil 'neath our burdens of care. I'm sharing your burden, too. I know you share you mine, dear friends. So together, let's just send out those good thoughts to one another and look upward in joy. Take His hand, now.
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