Being and Doing – 2 October – Love and Remorse

FOR fear of flattering, these dreadfully sincere people go on side by side with those they love and admire, giving them, all the time, the impression of utter indifference.   Parents are so afraid of exciting pride and vanity in their children, by the expression of their love and approbation, that a child sometimes goes sad and discouraged by their side, and learns with surprise, in some chance way, that they are proud and fond of him.  There are times when the open expression of a father’s love would be worth more than church or sermon to a boy;  and his father cannot utter it – will not show it.

Mrs. H. B. STOWE

THE bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.   ‘She never knew how I loved her!’   ‘He never knew what he was to me!’   ‘I always meant to make more of our friendship!   ‘I did not know what he was to me till he was gone!’   Such words are the poisoned arrows which cruel death shoots backwards at us from the door of the sepulchre.

How much more we might make of our family life, of our friendships, if every secret thought of love blossomed into a deed!   There are words, and looks, and little observances, thoughtfulnesses, watchful little attentions, which make it manifest, and there is scarce a family that might not be richer in heart-wealth for more of them.

Mrs. 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.