The Way To God

The Way to God

by Della Mannagh (Della was my Great-Great-grandmother),

written in Guide Rock Nebraska

The time ... many, many years ago

Oh God, I am weary, so weary.  The road is rough and steep.
My garments are torn and tattered. Wounded and bleeding - my feet.
The night is closing about me, the way no longer I see;
And oh, it is heavy to carry, the cross thou has gavest me.

Alone, I have traveled onward for many a weary day;
The storms beating upon me. And I have no strength to pray.
Onward and upward I journey, around me a dreary waste,
hungry, and thirsty I'm panting but I find no resting place.

Oh, why is my burden so heavy? and why so rough the way?
To many, life's journey is pleasant. No cross to bear have they;
but brightly the sun is shining, and gently the breezes blow;
And friends are walking beside them, ever rejoicing they go.

But listen a voice is speaking, in tones that are soft and low;
"Yes thou art weary, beloved, And often lonely, I know.
For the Path that thou hast chosen, is the same that I have trod;
'tis the only way believe me, that leadeth upward to God.

"Many are passing onward, by wats that seem easy to you,
their Paths may be smooth and pleasant, but have no goal in view;
They live for self, and time onley(sic), That ends with their latest breath;
The way that they have taken leadeth downward unto death."

The mother was walking beside me through all the desert place:
But my eyes were on my burdens, and I did not see His face;
He was ready, and longing to help me. When the burdens were heavy to bear,
and I was grieving Him sorely by thinking He did not care.

Dear Jesus, forgive me for doubting. And hear me while I pray,
May thy presence ever go with me, along life's narrow way.

May I never grow weak and weary trusting in self alone,
but looking to thee for guidance, I'll reach the heaven home.