Let me not live a life that's free

From the things that draw me close to Thee,

For how can I ever hope to heal

The wounds of others I do not feel...

If my eyes are dry and I never weep,

If my heart is cold and it never bleeds,

How can I tell what my brother needs..

For when ears are deaf to the beggar's pleas,

And we close our eyes and refuse to see,

And we steel our hearts and harden our mind,

And we count it a weakness whenever we're kind,

We are no longer following the Father's way,

Or seeking His guidance from day to day..

For without crosses to carry and burdens to bear,

We dance through a life that is frothy and fair,

And "chasing the rainbow" we have no desire

For roads that are rough and realms that are higher

So spare me no heartache or sorrow, dear Lord,

For the heart that is hurt reaps the richest reward,

And God enters the heart that is broken in sorrow

As He opens the door to a brighter tomorrow,

For only through tears can we recognize

The suffering that lies in another's eyes.

by Helen Steiner Rice