WHATEVER IS - IS BEST

I know as my life grows older,
 And mine eyes have clearer sight,
That under each rank wrong somewhere
 There lies the root of Right;
That each sorrow has its purpose,
 By the sorrowing oft unguessed;
But as sure as the sun brings morning,
Whatever is - is best.

I know that each sinful action,
 As sure as the night brings shade,
Is somewhere, sometime punished,
 Tho' the hour be long delayed.
I know the soul is aided
 Sometimes by the heart's unrest
And to grow means often to suffer--
 But whatever is - is best.

I know there are no errors,
 In the great Eternal plan,
And all things work together
 For the final good of man.
And I know when my soul speeds onward,
 In its grand Eternal quest,
I shall say as I look back earthward,
 Whatever is - is best.

—Ella Wheeler Wilcox