Work’s Highest Reward

Beside the church, my childhood days began,
Within the shelter of the parsonage span.
Above my bed, a simple prayer would keep
My heart with God before I fell asleep.

“Now I lay me down,” my young voice said,
While Heaven’s peace rested around my bed.
Before I understood what faith could be,
The Lord was already watching over me.

I still recall my first uncertain stride,
With loving hands and family close beside.
Mom placed my little shoes upon my feet,
Then led me to church across the street.

Every day with God was learning something new.
For from my earliest breath, I somehow knew
His loving presence, faithful, strong, and true,
Would guide my steps in everything I’d do.

Through every job and every task begun,
I worked hoping God would say, “Well done.”
Although earthly names appeared upon my pay,
I knew his hand supplied my needs each day.

I’ve lived with little, counting every dime,
And I have known abundance for a time.
Yet poverty and wealth have both revealed
That God provides whatever life should yield.

In sickness or in health, in loss or gain,
Through days of sunshine and nights of pain,
I’ve always had enough to follow through
On what I felt the Lord would have me do.

Why long for more to wander from his will,
When what he gives can keep my spirit still?
No greater treasure could my heart afford
Than knowing I have pleased my loving Lord.

So whether work brings wages or acclaim,
My highest purpose always stays the same:
To seek his will in all I say and do—
And serve the One whose promises are true.

My full-time calling hasn’t changed with age.
It guides my footsteps through each stage.
To know his heart and follow where he leads—
That is the work that satisfies my needs.

And when at last my earthly tasks are done,
I pray he’ll welcome home his faithful son.
No higher wage could Heaven give to see
Than hearing, “You have lived to honor me.”