May 8, 2010

like a flower

“We do not realize the importance
of this unconscious part of our life-ministry.
It goes on continually.
In every greeting we give
to another on the street,
in every moment’s conversation,
in every letter we write,
in every contact with other lives,
there is a subtle influence
that goes from us that often reaches farther,
and leaves a deeper impression,
than the things themselves
that we are doing at the time.
After all, it is life itself,
sanctified life that is God’s holiest
and most effective ministry in this world,
— pure, sweet, patient, earnest,
unselfish, loving life.
It is not so much what we do in this world,
as what we are,
that tells in spiritual results and impressions.
A good life is like a flower,
which, though it neither toil nor spin,
yet ever pours out a rich perfume,
and thus performs a holy ministry.”
- J. R. Miller