Quote from Forum Archives on October 18, 2003, 10:48 pm

Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

THE HOPE CHEST

with Virginia Knowles

Tidbit #12 on October 18, 2003

The Simple Things: A Poem by Edgar Guest

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The Hope Chest is a free e-mail newsletter with encouragement and practical teaching tips. The writer is Virginia Knowles, wife of Thad, mother of nine children, and author of Common Sense Excellence: Faith-Filled Home Education for Preschool to 5th Grade, and The Real Life Home School Mom.

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Hello Hope Chest readers!

I had intended to send out an article called "Why the Church?" but haven't been able to quite finish it to my satisfaction.  Instead, I would like to share a poem called "The Simple Things" by one of my all-time favorite poets, Edgar Guest.  I hadn't ever seen this particular one until my friend Debbie gave me the book Keep it Simple for Busy Women by Emilie Barnes, who is one of my all-time favorite authors.

So, without further ado:

The Simple Things

by Edgar Guest

I would not be too wise -- so very wise

That I must sneer at simple songs and creeds,

And let the glare of wisdom blind my eyes

To humble people and their humble needs.

 

I would not care to climb so high that I

Could never hear the children at their play,

Could only see the people passing by,

And never hear the cheering words they say...

 

God grant that I may live upon this earth

And face the tasks that every morning brings

And never lose the glory and the worth

Of humble service and the simple things.

 

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Today I had the unexpected privilege of visiting a dear friend in her home.  It was only for an hour, but I pray that the mutual words of encouragement will ripple powerfully in both our lives as we seek to please God in doing humble service and simple things.  My friend is particularly good at seeing peoples' "humble needs" and meeting them, even when she has so many pressing needs and griefs of her own.  Her life is marked by fervent intercessory prayer for others and practical service to the poor.  What an inspiring example she is to me in these areas!  

In His Sovereign Grace,

Virginia Knowles