Being and Doing – 2 April – We are part of an Infinite Scheme
WE are too much wedded to our own plans, whether they be plans for a life, or plans for a day or an hour: too little loyal at heart to the will of God. And hence arises great uneasiness and discomposure of mind, which, from whatever source it arises, cannot fail to be prejudicial and a hindrance to the spiritual life. We have set apart, it may be, such an hour of the day for the purpose of devotional study; but just as we are about to spend it so, some call of necessity or charity arises in another direction. In either case, whether it be of necessity or charity, it is God’s call: and not our duty only, but our happiness lies in responding to it cheerfully and lovingly. We must be ready to go out of our way, or, in other words, to have our little plans so modified and corrected as to be brought into the scheme of His great and all-wise plan. It is every way better to do what God intends for us, than what we intend for ourselves.
GOULBURN
EVERY man and every woman, in their self-training and self-culture, should study the art of giving up with a good grace. The charm of polite society is formed by that sort of freedom and facility in all the members of a circle which makes each one pliable to the influences of the others, and sympathetic to slide into the moods and tastes of others without a jar.
H.B. STOWE
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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.
Suffolk Vicar 