The Up-Side to Afflictions

After God's chastening is over

What then for us is left?

Many things, worth more than gold.

And crowning them all must be

The dawning, "He did what He did

Out of love for me.

Removing those things that

Stand between us and Him

Can leave one feeling punished, bereft;

But when process divine has run its course,

Is perfected, and at last is through,

What thoughts of praise and awe there are.

And a person may even wonder,

Is this the way angels feel about You?