We’re called to great adventure, yet told to count the cost,

Weighing what we hope to gain against what will be lost.

Miracles are possible, and yet they’re not the rule,

We still need to use our strengths at home, at work, at school.

We’re given all great freedom, responsibility,

And tools to help us find our way with versatility,

But much more than demonstrate our own utility,

We’re called to grow our character into eternity.

Power in an untrained hand leaves chaos in its wake,

So now is when we must be schooled in which path we should take.

In little things we make our choices and our lessons learn,

And hone our meagre competence to good from bad discern,

So that when the task at hand entails much larger stakes

We’ll know if we should charge ahead or firmly press the brakes.

When finally we face eternal choices to be made,

We’re armed with both a holy kiss beside a holy blade.

So be thankful for the trials and troubles sent your way,

Today’s investment will more than a hundredfold repay,

As long as you approach each burden with a grateful heart

And turn your soul into a sculpted, treasured work of art.