"IT MATTERS TO ME ABOUT YOU"
Dedicated to Victor Chartrand
August 13, 1929 - July 5, 2014

 

My child I know your sorrows,
Your every grief I share;
I know how you are tested,
And, what is more - I care.

 

Think not that I am indifferent
To what affecteth thee;
Your weal and woe are matters
Of deep concern to Me.

 

But, child, I have a purpose
In all that I allow;
I ask you then to trust Me,
Though all seems dark just now.

 

How often you have asked me
To purge away the dross!
But this refining process
Involves for you - a cross.

 

There is no other pathway
If you would'st really be
Conformed unto the image
Of Him Who died for thee.

 

You can'st not be like Jesus
Till self is crucified;
And as a daily process
The cross must be applied.

 

Just as the skillful gard'ner
Applies the pruning knife,
E'en so, I too would sever.
The worthless from your life.

 

I have but one sole object -
That you should'st fruitful be!
And is it not your longing
That I much fruit should see?

 

Then shrink not from the training
I needs must give to you;
I know just how to make you
What I would have you be.

 

Remember that I love you!
Think not I am unkind,
When trials come to prove you,
And joy seems left behind.

 

'Tis but a little longer
Until I come again;
What now seems so mysterious
Will all be then made plain.

 

Take courage then; and fear not!
Press forward to the prize,
A crown of life awaits thee,
Glory before thee lies!

 

     -  Alice C. Lefroy