Being and Doing – 21 January – Employment of Time

IF men from their youth were weaned from that sauntering humour, wherein some, out of custom, let a good part of their life run uselessly away, without either business or recreation, they would find time enough to acquire dexterity and skill in hundreds of things, which, though remote from their proper callings, would not at all interfere with them.  And therefore, I think, for this as well as for other reasons, a lazy, listless humour which idly dreams away the days, is of all others the least to be indulged or permitted in young people; it is the proper state of one sick or out of order in his health, and is tolerable in nobody else of what age or condition soever.

LOCKE.

IT is generally the idle who complain that they cannot find time to do that which they fancy they wish.  In truth, people can generally find time for what they choose to do; it is not really the time but the will that is wanting; and the advantage of leisure is mainly that we have the power of choosing our own work; not certainly that it confers any privilege of idleness.

Sir JOHN LUBBOCK.

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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.