Do The Next Thing

I remembering reading about Elizabeth Elliot and her struggle to move forward after her young husband died, leaving her with an infant to raise by herself. She sought out wisdom from others as to how to handle her inability to get things done. She wasn't able to focus. She was overcome with grief and fear. I read with interest, knowing what she learned would be of great value. It would rich in Biblical truth. It would be life changing.

Actually, the advice that meant the most to her during her dark days was quite simple. If I remember correctly, a wise woman told her the best way to get moving was to just "do the next thing!" Elizabeth went on to explain that her 'next thing' was to change her little daughter's dirty diaper! Not too inspirational. Not really Biblical in content. Not especially life-changing at first glance. But it was words that had great wisdom. She celebrated each time a diaper needed changing because she realized she was moving ahead and over time what she did would pay off. It did, she raised a beautiful daughter!

What wisdom: "Do the next thing"! As Homemakers, may we all tuck that motto in our hearts where we can easily retrive it as we wrestle with perfectionism or procrastination or whatever keeps us from living each day to the fullest.

Stacy made this posting easy for me as she reminded me of this poem:

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.

Author Unknown


Have a blessed day and do the next thing!