August 10, 2012

• “Do the Next Thing”

  I’m still ‘waiting’ for direction from the Lord on our finances and whether I should find another part time job. But, while I am waiting, I didn’t want to give you the impression that I’m sitting with my hands folded and doing nothing. I am actively:

  • Praying
  • Keeping watch over my thoughts and repenting of any doubt, fear or worry that may surface.
  • Doing all that I can each day to stretch the money we have coming in.
  • Looking for ways to make money from home.

  I love this poem that Elisabeth Elliot used to quote. I’ve repeated this tiny phrase to myself many times over the years when I may be overwhelmed with my workload or confused as to what to do next.

                                                                                   

   

                                                                        DO THE NEXT THING

  From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
  There came in the twilight a message to me;
  Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
  Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
  And all through the doors, the quiet words ring
  Like a low inspiration, “Do the next thing.”

  Many a questioning, many a fear,
  Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
  Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
  Time, opportunity, guidance are given.
  Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
  Trust that with Jesus; do the next thing.

  Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
  Do it reliantly, casting all care.
  Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
  Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
  Stayed on omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
  Leave all resultings; do the next thing.

  
  Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
  Working or suffering be thy demeanor,
  In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
  The light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
  Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing;
  Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.
  
  -Author unknown-

   

  My week has been full of ‘next things’. There have been beds to make, floors to clean, daily cooking and laundry, grandchildren to care for.. oh, the list goes on and on.

   

   

   

  

   

  Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…Eccl. 9:10

  Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you… 1 Thess. 4:11

  
  

  I think making lunch for my husband may be the ‘next thing’ for the time being. *Smile*

  • 3:53 pm
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