Little Things
In difficult times, find guidance in the plain things to be done in your everyday life and choose to do good or evil.
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.
Text
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
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Common Things
- The Presence of Choice
- Finding Guidance in Every Hour
- The presence of choice in every situation
- The importance of making good choices
- Choosing to do good or evil in every situation
Key Quotes
“When black despair beats down my wings, And heavenly visions fade away-- Lord, let me bend to common things, The tasks of every day;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The Samoyed bends, and takes for guide The moss beneath his feet.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“There is almost always close at hand, waiting for one, some plain thing to be done.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to find guidance in everyday tasks and routine.
- Practice self-control and patience in difficult situations.
- Choose to do good or evil in every situation, and be aware of the choices available to you.