When shadows stretch and hide the path I tread, And clouds of doubt obscure the brightest skies, I lift my gaze. My hopeful heart is led To find dawn shine in glistening eyes. For every thorn that guards a budding rose, There blooms a truth that evil can’t confine; Each trial sows seeds that courage knows, And harvests joy from struggle’s ugly vine. For every loss doeth teach the soul to grow, And sorrow plants compassion in its stead; What still glows is brighter than we know Joy springs from every tear we shed. For blessings sprout from deep within Where kindness and charity begin.