In far-off lands is a pathetic thing
A child is being trained to be a king
His teacher, looking far ahead, can see
What things a king will need to know, So He
Must put his cherished toys away,
And study when he longs to run and play.
But one day, looking back, remembering
He will be glad he learned to be a king.

So I, through all my sorrow, yet can sing,
I too am being trained to be a king !
For if with Him we suffer we shall reign,
Co-heirs with Him our Lord ! I need this pain;
Unfit am I, unlearned and knowing nought
Of how to reign, and so I must be taught.
And if, because of this my blindness here,
It sometimes seems that kingly lore comes dear,
Yet will I know, the blessed day will come
When I, from pain and sorrow free, at Home
At last, will be so glad that God would deign,
So patiently, to teach me how to reign.

Martha Snell Nicholson
Wings and Sky