The Burden

To every one on earth
God gives a burden, to be carried down
The road that lies between the cross and crown
No lot is wholly free
He giveth one to thee

Some carry it aloft
Open and visible to any eyes
And all may see its form and weight and size
Some hide it in their breast
And deem it there unguessed

Thy burden is God's gift
And it will make the bearer calm and strong
Yet, lest it press too heavily and long
He says, cast it on me
And it shall easy be

And those who heed His voice
And seek to give it back in trustful prayer
Have quiet hearts up the way
Upon the darkest day

Take thy burden thus
Into thy hands, and lay it at His feet
And whether it be sorrow or defeat
Or pain or sin or care
Just leave it calmly there

It is the lonely road
That crushes out the life and light of Heaven
But born with Him, the soul, restored, forgiven
Sings out, through all the days
Her joy and God's high praise. 
 
Tammy La Grattta