Do the Next Thing

Hi Dear friends, 


While I had the chance, I thought I'd share one more post.  Guess I spoke too soon when I said I didn't have any organizational gems to share with you. 


This one has gotten me through more trials and difficulties than any other. 


Elisabeth Elliott, whose husband was killed after only two years on the mission field, by Auca indians' first shared this priceless quote with me many years ago at a conference.  Her wisdom is timeless and tested.


She shared this poem in her book The Shaping of a Christian Family..and in many of her talks.


How do I know this principle will work for you?  It's simple. I've lived it out and tested it for myself.


...when I was a young mommy with five sick babies (all at once), when I went through homeschool burnout at age 40, took care of my granny with alzheimer's for a year (along with four children), cared for a 70 year old almost homeless/eccentric man recovering from a heart attack for a year (along with five kids) and nursed hubby through chemo...


Her quote...and this poem..got me through the day...and another day...and another...and many more.


In my book, a broken wrist is a pretty mild sort of trial compared to the challenges of the past...but the principle works just as well. 

(photo by Rebekah)

Do the Next Thing


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, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors 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, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, 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 results, do the next thing.

Looking for 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.

It's hard for us Type A's to limit ourselves to just one 'thing' a day. Still..that is what I must rejoice in. Lord help me to celebrate that one thing. 


This week, I deep cleaned the kitchen, got the laundry caught up, taught school, took two walks, did only ONE blog post (sniff ) left two comments, and today we are buying groceries. In my book, that's a very short list...only a day's worth LOL! Still need to do the budget and grade school papers.


 As Elisabeth Elliot said, "Just do the next thing." It is enough. 


I'm thankful that I can do so much and that my family is carrying the rest. :)


I do hope that this poem and little nugget of truth can encourage you if you are having a hard time getting your daily work done.