By Wendy Eaton of Independence, Missouri USA

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices; together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.

Alice Smith was part of a well-known family. Her grandfather was Joseph Smith III, president of the church, and her father, Fred M. Smith, was expected to be the next president; he already was taking on more responsibilities due to his father’s declining health. When Alice was about six years old, she and her mother, Ruth, joined her father on a 10-month visit to Salt Lake City, and the “ecclesiastical cousins” as her mother called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It was an eventful trip before the family returned to the Midwest and prepared for a move to Independence, Missouri, and the arrival of a baby sister. Alice was a bright child. She was good at math and well spoken. Her parents encouraged her quick mind and her scholarship. When she was nine years old, she wrote a poem titled “Come, Spring, Come.” As a young woman, she submitted the poem to be included in a book of poetry for the children of the church, Homespun Rhymes by Home Folks.

“Come, Spring, Come” by Alice Myrmida Smith

Come, oh come, spring,
With your balmy breeze;
Come, oh come, spring,
With your budding trees.

Come, oh come, spring,
With your violets true;
Come, oh come, spring,
With your troops in blue.

Come, oh come, spring,
Through the forest dark,
With song of the robin,
And song of the lark.

Come, oh come, spring,
With your gentle rain,
To aid the ripening
Of the golden grain.

Come, oh come, spring,
We have called you long;
Come through the wood paths,
With light and song.

Poem is as it appears in Homespun Rhymes by Home Folks, published by the Board of Publications of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1922

Prayer Phrase

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.