Doing the Next Thing

It's days like today that I'm thankful for the automaticity of housework. Not much thought involved, just a busying of the hands and body. On days like today, I truly do need to think less and do more. Good thing I'm knee deep in laundry today!

Anyway, I've just finished an Elisabeth Elliot book, The Shaping of a Christian Family. In it, she includes one of her mother's favorite poems. It was encouraging to me today, and since I know that it's easy for all of us to get lost in our own struggles and situations, I thought I'd share it here today.

From an old English parsonage, down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration
Do the next thing!

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrow, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
Do the next thing!

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
Do the next thing!

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering -- be thy demeanor,
In His dear Presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then as He beckons thee
Do the next thing!