Life's Goal

What is the goal in life I seek?
Whatever do I call my aim?
Could it be wealth? Or maybe pow’r?
Or is it early fame?

May these my goals forever be,
To live, to love, to leave
(And ne’er by tho’t, or word, or deed
Give others cause to grieve).

For one to live for Christ
Is to claim a wealth untold
That can ne’er be measured by
One’s silver or one’s gold.

If I can truly love mankind
‘Twill lie within my power
To share with all mankind
Its finest or its darkest hour.

And I leave the world some better
Because I walked this way,
‘Twas good that she has been here,”
Is all that folks need say.

For if I seek these special goals
Live, love, leave — these three,
Then I shall surely claim Christ’s promise
That I should live abundantly.

—Louise Cox