Being and Doing – 9 January – Man Cannot Choose His Duties

THERE is so much to be set right in the world, there are so many to be led and helped and comforted, that we must continually come in contact with such in our daily life.  Let us only take care that we do not miss our turn of service, and pass by those to whom we might have been sent on an errand straight from God.

THE common problem, yours, mine, every one’s,
Is not to fancy what were fair in life
Provided it could be  – but finding first
What may be, then find how to make it fair
Up to our means a very different thing.

BROWNING.

INSTEAD of saying that man is the creature of circumstance, it would be nearer the mark to say that man is the architect of circumstance.  It is character which builds an existence out of circumstance.  From the same material one man builds palaces, another hovels, one warehouses, another villas.  Bricks and mortar are mortar and bricks until the architect can make them something else.

HERRON.

oooOOOooo

These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.