Dedicated to God and to my future husband
Anna waited at the garden gate As the sun rose slowly in the east. There she waited on her dear love to come; Searching the horizon she did not cease. Love in her was sure, but as the day passed, Patience faltered--joy was lost--faith was tested; Yet in her heart, a promise settled soft, Saying, low and sweet, "The time is not wasted. I will come to you, my love, I WILL come; When we meet again, how great will be our joy! One our hearts will be--our love will be pure-- Spirits braided fast, our life-paths adjoined. As that day has yet to come, be ever Abiding with your Father at the gate; Wait for me, dear; in the time we don't see, Let us trust now; the reward will be great." Anna's heart soon calmed at feeling these words, And she took her stand, with hope, at her gate; While she tarried there, she called joyfully To young women standing behind their own gates: "Wait, friends, wait! True love will surely come; Your patience will build you, glorifying God. Waiting now may bring a reward so sweet, Yet as time and life remain, by God's love be awed."
Some girls heeded her advice with joy; Others failed to listen and left their gates-- Only then to fall to darkness and pain. Anna saw, and carrying the great weight Of her sorrow, said, "Surely by the waiting Lives will be saved!" and with a frightened cry, Turned and found herself embraced by Father's Arms--and on His safety she relied. There He taught her gently what "I love you" Means, and made her strong with melodies; Then the day came, when Father whispered soft, "Love's time has come; now I give you the keys." Anna turned, beheld a figure standing There whose spirit she knew, whose eyes were Light with fires of love, and whose caring gaze Had been saved, saved always, only for her. Anna's heart leaped up as she received her keys, Then unlocked and opened, swung wide her gate. In her dear love stepped; their hearts became entwined-- Pure their love was, for they walked, did not faint. Life-paths joined, not too early, not too late; They say, "How great the power of the wait!"