Life as a Journey   “Though surrounded with outward enjoyments, and settled in families with desirable friends and relations; though we have companions whose society is delightful, and children in whom we see many promising qualifications; though we live by good neighbors, and are generally beloved where known; yet we ought not to take our rest in these things as our portion.  We should be so far from resting in them, that we should desire to leave them all, in God's due time.  We ought to possess, enjoy, and use them, with no other view but readily to quit them, whenever we are called to it, and to change them willingly and cheerfully for heaven.  A traveller is not wont to rest in what he meets with, however comfortable and pleasing, on the road.  If he passes through pleasant places, flowery meadows, or shady groves; he does not [allow himself to be content] in these things, but only takes a transient view of them as he goes along.  He is not enticed by fine appearances to put off the thought of proceeding.  No, but his journey's end is in his mind.  If he meets with comfortable accommodations at an inn, he entertains no thoughts of settling there.  He considers that these things are not his own, that he is but a stranger, and when he has refreshed himself, or tarried for a night, he is for going forward.  And it is pleasant to him to think that so much of the way is gone. So should we desire heaven more than the comforts and enjoyments of this life.”   -- Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) ------------------ Contentment   "How sweet a life might Christians live, could they but bring their hearts to a full subjection to the disposing will of God:  to be content not only with what He commands and approves, but also with what He allots and appoints."   — John Flavel (1627-1679) ------------------ Grant Us Such Grace   Grant us such grace that we may work Thy Will And speak Thy words and walk before Thy Face, Profound and calm, like waters deep and still: Grant us such grace.   Not hastening and not loitering in our pace For gloomiest valley or for sultriest hill, Content and fearless on our downward race.   As rivers seek a sea they cannot fill But are themselves filled full in its embrace, Absorbed, at rest, each river and each rill: Grant us such grace.   — Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)       Life and Death   So he died for his faith.  That is fine— More than most of us do. But say, can you add to that line That he lived for it, too? In his death he bore witness at last As a martyr to truth. Did his life do the same in the past From the days of his youth? It is easy to die.  Men have died For a wish or a whim— From bravado or passion or pride. Was it harder for him? But to live—every day to live out All the truth that he dreamt, While his friends met his conduct with doubt, And the world with contempt— Was it thus that he plodded ahead, Never turning aside? Then we’ll talk of the life that he led, Never mind how he died.   — Ernest H. Crosby (1856-1907)