I have learned that
success is to be measured
not so much by the position
that one has reached, as
by the obstacles which he
has overcome while trying
to succeed.
Booker T. Washington

Light Shining out of Darkness

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
and works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding ev'ry hour'
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

William Cowper
The Top 500 Poems (Edited by William Harmon)