COULD I HAVE BEEN A PIONEER?
Reading church history and the suffering of each saint,
I wondered, could I have been a pioneer or been faint
Of heart? Not really able to stand firm, true and strong,
Would I have plodded on every day with the hungry throne?

Hardship every moment, no soft warm bed on which to lie,
Nowhere to wash clothes, nowhere to bury you when you die,
Not enough food to eat, fifteen miles traveled on a good day,
Maybe struck knee deep in the mud to slow you on your way.

Animals getting weaker, you to have to help push and pull,
At least I think that on that long trek, life was never dull.
Did they ever regret leaving the homes so grand and fine,
Remembering clean clothes and on good food did dine?

Some made it to the dry valley, others died along the way,
When they did arrive it was still hard work every day,
But when you have found the truth and the gospel light
It would be wrong to turn your back or shirk from the right.

I may not have to walk in hot desert or through freezing snow,
But I will, the best I can, the light of the gospel fearlessly show,
I will, like the pioneers choose to serve my God every day,
Praising Him with rejoicing as I travel along my hard way.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson July 23, 2003