The Brink of the River

I am nearing the brink of the river

That has flowed since the birth of time

I see on the bank beyond me -

The tree of life sublime.

I have lived full seventy summers

Fulfilling my Masters will

Yet the prayer of my life is unanswered

I am praying and waiting still.

And now as I stand by the river

I see on yonder shore

The beautiful land of promise

That Moses beheld of yore.

My loved ones there are waiting

And beckoning me nearer home

Then I gaze on the dark-flowing current –

Must I go the last step along?

All my life has been filled with longing

And prayers for my lovers return

‘Twas God’s will that our ways were parted –

On earth we have walked alone

Save for the love of the Father

That has guarded us on through life

Leading and guiding our foot-steps

On toward Him and the Right.

Now as I enter the river –

My feet have left the shore

LO! A step is heard beside me –

Another’s journey is o’er.

We cross the river together

Arm in arm we walk the deep

Though our ways on earth were parted

Our paths to heaven meet.

And we hear the loud Hosanna’s

Sung by the ones over there

We enter heaven together

God has answered my prayer.

Written by Ida May Schaffer

Autumn of 1921

Age of 16