December Ninth
John Milton born 1608.
Sir Anthony Van Dyck died 1641.
Joel Chandler Harris born 1848.
Doth God exact day labor, light denied?
I fondly ask: but Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work, or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best; his state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
—John Milton.
“’Tain’t on’y chilluns w’at got de consate er doin’ eve’ything dey see yuther folks do. Hit’s grown folks w’at oughter know better,” said Uncle Remus.
—Joel Chandler Harris.
Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe.
—Hebrews 12. 28.
My Father, teach me to select my work from that which is noble and true. May I not mold my life in affectation or feel that I must imitate the lives of others, but grant that I may perfect my life through experiences which are worthy of increasing endeavors. Amen.