Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 94, 28 July 1944, Page 2

Thoughtful Moments

(Supplied by the Whakat

LIFE'S LESSONS I learn as the years roll onward And II leave the past behind, That much I had counted sorrow But proves that God is kind; That many a llower I longed lor Had hidden a thorn of pain, And many a rugged by-path Led to fields of ripened grain. We must live through the day of winter If we would value the spring; And the. woods must be cold and silenti Before the robins sing. The (lowers must be buried in darkness Before they can bud and bloom; And the sweetest, warmest sunshine Comes after the storm and gloom. ■ —Mary Stuart Pay ton. THE DARK AND THE BRIGHT

(By Mrs A. S. Morrison) "Do you think the world is a wreck?" asked someone. "Yes " was the answer, "the wreck of a bursting seed." The seed dies; a new life is born, perhaps a great tree, perhaps a littie lovely flower. It seems to be a difficult world. Fulfilment comes out of affliction. Even the earth must be torn before, the sown ing of the seed. Consider a lump of iron ore. One day it. is attacked Avith violence; it is taken and scorched in a furnace; it is beaten with heavy blows, and, finally, becomes a plate of tempered steel. I read a story of a bamboo that grew in grace and beauty on a hillside. lit was hacked with knives, and dragged in the dust. It was pierced to the heart as with a sword, and, at last, became part of a long pipe line. And there is the 'parable of Jade." The. jade stone lies peacefully in the murmuring river, but, one day, it is taken out, and carried far away, and cleft open. Then it is chiselled and polished, perhaps for years, until, in the hands of the artist,. it becomes a thing of beauty. And so it is with men and women. Hudson Taylor, the renowned missionary had most severe trials. And even our Saviour was "made perfect through sufferings."

And yet the world is full of good and lovely things—the love of lovers, the joy of little children,, the beauty of gardens, tall trees and many-hucd flowers, the scent of a rose., the flavour of a peach. There is the. delight ol music, sweet singers and instruments of divers tones; the joy of swift motion,, the comfort of bright fires, the pleasure of interesting books—all these and many more. But can these satisfy the soul? No. We are not made to sit on cushions purring like well-fed pussy cats— though, I confess,, that would seem rather pleasant. There is a great spirit in man: that neither pleasure can satisfy, nor adversity defeja£. It sent Scott sailing on the perilous polar seas; it led Mallory up the daunting slopes of Everest; it guided Livingstone, to his lonely grave in darkest Africa. We may notj by nature, be brave and enterprising,

nm- Association)

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE

but we may, by God's grace. fn?e life's problems and trials with the same high courage; but r.ot in oil" own strength. Our faith is the victory that overcomes. We mu-t have God. Without Him we are a desperate ease; with Him we are mon than conquerors. There are two questions in be asked about tae dark side o'.' life — first, '"can we lake it?" second, "is it worth while'.'" A little Indian, girl said to a missionary, "if f pray, will God take away my burden?" "Child," said the missionary, "Go:! will give you strength enough to bear any burden." As we grow stronger the burden grows lighter, imagine a little boy of three trying to lift a bu.'ket of water. He tugs and strains,, and gets very wet, and, finally, sits down and bawls. His big strong father comes along. He lifts the little fellow on to his shoulder, steadies him with one hand, and with the other carries along- the bucket- of water with perfect ease. So difficult things become and heavy burdens light if we rely on our Saviour's power. Why do we rot trust Him more? He can carry us and our burdens too. If we do- ea:h task, and bear each trouble for His sake* realising His presence, then the dullest drudgery will become kingly service, and the gayest day will be touched with glory.

"No day is commonplace had we but eyes to see its splendour." As for the other question—' Is it worth while?"

Hear the iron ore giving answer. "Yes,, indeed, it was worth while. I was much disturbed at first and longed to be left in peace, but now I am part of a great ship sailing the ocean instead of a di.ngy useless clod. How glad and proud I ain!" And the bamboo would reply: "Abundantly worth while. I am doing a great work, bringing water to a thirsty, town —a far better thing than merely looking pretty on a hillside." And the jade would say: "Surely! I was a dull stone of no use to anyone,'and I am become a jewel of price, and clasp the wrist of an Empress." And Hudson Taylor would smile, and say: "My sufferings but brought me into closer touch with the One Who suffered for me r and deepened my joy in Him."

One thing we must note. In all these cases there was perfect acquiescence. If the jade had restlessly under the chisel, the work would have been spoiled. It is possible for us to mar the perfect work of God by. doubting and disobedience. Shall we. not let the Divine Artificer, patient and skilfu l , do His will hi u.s, without hindrance, until character becomes strong an:] beautiful? Let God have His. way with you, and sec what He will doIt will be worth while. "O thou beloved child of my desire. Whether 1 iead thee through green valleys, By still waters, Or through fire t Or lay thee down in silence under snow; In any weather, Or whatever cloud my gather, Wind may blow, Wilt love me, trust me, praise me?"