As Mary sat with Jesus
And listened to His Word,
Her heart drank in with gladness
The precious truth she heard.
And her desire to hear Him
Well pleased her Lord and Friend;
The part that she had chosen
He hastened to commend.
The Lord is pleased with service,
And He would have us speed
To do whate'er we're able,
For those who are in need.
But that which brings most gladness
To His devoted heart,
Is our unfeigned longing
To be with Him apart,—
Forgetting things about us,
To talk alone with Him,
To learn His love more fully,—
A love which naught can dim.
Yet oft we miss the comfort
Of this communion sweet,—
The joy and help and blessing
Of learning at His feet,
Because our minds keep turning
To things of time and sense,—
To trials, cares, and pleasures,
Which have no recompense.
But He with love untiring,
And patience strangely sweet,
Recalls us from our wandering
To the treasure at His feet.