Joy and Duty and Life and Death

"One bright peak rises far above."

Joy and Duty
by Henry Van Dyke

"Joy is a Duty,"—so with golden lore
The Hebrew rabbis taught in days of yore,
And happy human hearts heard in their speech
Almost the highest wisdom man can reach.
But one bright peak still rises far above,
And there the Master stands whose name is Love,
Saying to those whom weary tasks employ:
"Life is divine when Duty is a Joy."

Emil:

Emil was my daughter’s father-in-law and one of the sweetest and kindest men I ever met. He was 88 years old and died peacefully in his sleep. My prayer and hope is that his soul is now on that “one bright peak above.” May he rest in peace.