­­Being and Doing – 1 September – Our Father’s Business

We complain of the slow, dull life we are forced to lead, of our humble sphere of action, of our low position in the scale of society, of our having no room to make ourselves known, of our wasted energies, of our years of patience.   So do we say that we have no Father who is directing our life;  so do we say that God has forgotten us;  so do we boldly judge what life is best for us;  and so by our complaining do we lose the use and profit of the quiet years.   Oh, men of little faith!   Because you are not sent out yet unto your labour do you think God has ceased to remember you?   Because you are forced to be outwardly inactive, do you think you, also, may not be, in your years of quiet, ‘about your father’s business?   It is a period given to us in which to mature ourselves for the work which God will give us to do.

STOPFORD BROOKS

WE are too fond of our own will.   We want to be doing what we fancy mighty things;  but the great point is, to do small things, when called to them, in a right spirit.

R. CECIL

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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.