While It Is Day

Before I go to join the host
Of pilgrims gone before,
From ev’ry land, from ev’ry age,
Upon the farther shore,
I want that all my work be done,
Assigned to me to do,
That I may hear my Lord’s “Well done!”
The gate while passing through.

I must not loiter at my tasks,
As easily I may,
Nor till tomorrow’s sun defer
What I should do today;
Who knoweth what a day may bring?
Which one may be my last,
When opportunities now mine
Will be forever past?

O Lord and Master of my soul,
And my Example, too,
In this, as in all else beside,
To Thee I would be true;
The words that fell from Thy own lips
Again I hear Thee say;
Lord, I must live as Thou didst live-
“Must work…while it is day.”

Thomas O. Chisholm