I wake up every morning

To face the day alone.

With hopes and dreams a plenty,

Past failures to atone.

I brush my teeth while planning

The order of events,

Expecting to leap far over

The hurdles life presents.





I must wake my son by six

And ready him for school,

Tell him to brush his teeth well

Then check him like a mule.

I must drive him toward the door

And toss him in the car,

Braving the morning traffic

While eating a breakfast bar.





Hi Ho, Hi Ho, off to work!

I sure could use more sleep,

But there’s no time for resting.

This “mountain” is too steep.

“I must, I must” is my cry

For there’s so much to do.

My only true hope for rest

Would be to catch the flu.





As I step on through the door

My laptop at my side

I wonder if there really is

Something I haven’t tried.

Amidst all of the musts of life

God's faint voice calls to me--

A knocking here at my heart’s door

I answer cautiously.





He says, “I see your effort;

And I really think it’s grand.

I know that you’re quite impressed with

The product of your hands.

Still, I see all your failures, and

The pain your choices cause

To everyone around you.

Shouldn't this give you pause?





You can’t control the outcomes,

Although you try and try.

While you struggled ‘all alone’

I stood there by your side.

Look to me and walk with me

And I will give you rest.

Trust in me and over time

You’ll know my rest is best.”





So then I thought a little

And recognized my sin.

So busy trusting in myself,

How could I trust in Him?

I see my pride has tripped me up;

My failure I concede.

I see the thing that I must do

Is let Him meet my need.