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  LITTLE THINGS
  by Mary Wilder Tileston
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Summary: In difficult times, find guidance in the plain things to be
done in your everyday life and choose to do good or evil.

Topics: "Christian Living", "Spiritual Guidance"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:143, Proverbs 3:6, Galatians 6:9, Colossians 3:23, James 1:22

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DESCRIPTION
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Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of finding delight in
God's commandments even in times of trouble and anguish, drawing
inspiration from Psalms 119:143. She encourages embracing the simplicity
of everyday tasks and responsibilities, likening it to finding guidance
in the midst of despair, as illustrated in the poem by William Canton.
Tileston highlights the significance of choosing to do what is right and
good in every situation, whether it be through routine tasks, acts of
kindness, or patience, as discussed by George S. Merriam.

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CONTENT
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Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; yet Thy commandments are my
delights.

PSALMS 119:143

WHEN black despair beats down my wings, And heavenly visions fade away--
Lord, let me bend to common things, The tasks of every day;

As, when th' aurora is denied,

And blinding blizzards round him beat,

The Samoyed bends, and takes for guide

The moss beneath his feet.

WILLIAM CANTON

WHATEVER bad times may come, or whatever perplexity, there is almost
always close at hand, waiting for one, some plain thing to be done. It
may be a mere matter of routine an item in the day's regular business;
it may be the exercise of some consideration for another; it may be only
silent patience; but it is always something. And always one has the
choice to do it or decline it. One can go through his work well or shirk
it. One can consider his neighbor or neglect him. One can repress the
fever-fit of impatience or give it wild way. And the perpetual presence
of such a choice leaves no hour without guidance.

GEORGE S. MERRIAM

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/mary-wilder-tileston/little-things/
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