| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 8 |
Page 6 |
What is wanted, after all, is a heart of true love – love learned from Christ. This will make us ready to serve always every one who comes within the circle of our life. It will save us from all pride; for love is lowly, seeking not recognition and praise, but seeking only to honour Christ and do good. It will save us from all invidiousness; for love asks not who it is that needs help, but finds in every one a brother. It will save us from all selfishness; for love forgets and loses itself in the one desire to do good, pouring out its best and sweetest blessing on the lowliest and least worthy.
“Not mine to mount to courts where seraphs sing
Or glad archangels soar on outstretched wing;
Not mine in union with celestial choirs
To sound heaven’s trump or strike the gentler wires.
Not mine to stand enrolled at crystal gates,
Where Michael thunders or where Uriel waits.
“But lesser words a Father’s kindness knows.
Be mine some simpler service here below–
To weep with those who weep, their joys to share,
Their pain to solace or there burdens bear;
Some widow in her agony to meet,
Some exile in his new found home to greet;
To serve some child of Thine and so serve Thee.
Lo, here am I; to such a word send me.”
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