| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 7 |
Page 7 |
It has been said that he who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before is a benefactor. He has done that which makes one small spot of the world a little brighter and more beautiful. There is a story of a nobleman who always carried acorns in his pocket, and, whenever he found a bare place on his estate, he would plant one of them, that a tree might spring up to brighten the dreariness. That was something worth while. He who watches ever for lives that are bare of gladness, and drops a kindness to grow into a blessing, is doing work worthy of the archangel.
We need never vex ourselves over the smallness of our opportunities; our only care should be that we use the opportunities that are given to us. Our one little word or kindly act, our one look that gives a moment’s cheer, may tell on ages. We need not fear to waste our strength in lowliest ministry, to wear out our life in serving others; nothing is really wasted that is poured out on God’s altar in service of love for Christ and for His little ones.
“Can we believe, O God, that we have done
To full perfection our appointed task,
Offered the sacrifice that Thou dost ask,
If, like small flowers, we brave the burning sun,
Nor shrink from storms, but slowly, one by one,
Tear form ourselves the grimy husks that mask
And inward beauty, and disdain to ask
A better heritage than there upon
That lonely hill to bloom and fade and die,
Content if in the tenure of our life
Some haggard soul uplift his weary eye,
And pause amid the muddy world’s dull strife
To gaze on us, and so forget to sigh!
Is this to live the veritable life?”
Page 7