I Shall Not Live In Vain

A dear friend, a second father through my high school years and beyond, passed away on Sunday.  I will miss that grin he always had for me.  I love you, Roy!

If I can stop one Heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one Life the Aching
Or cool one Pain
Or help one fainting Robin
Unto his Nest again
I shall not live in Vain.

Emily Dickinson

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Matthew 25:23

If a Task is Once Begun, Never Leave It Till It's Done.

Be the Labor Great or Small, Do it Well or Not at All.



A series of illustrations in a popular magazine once depicted the life-story of a "one-note musician."  From frame to frame, the tale revealed how the woman followed her daily routine of eating and sleeping until the time came for the evening concert.  She carefully inspected her music on the stand, and tuned her instrument.  As the concert began, the conductor skillfully cued first one group of musicians and then another until finally, the crucial moment arrived.  It was time for the one note to be played!

The conductor turned to the violinist and signaled her to sound her note.  She did, and then the moment was over.  The orchestra played on and the "one-note" woman sat quietly through the rest of the concert--not with a sense of disappointment that she had played only one note, but with a sense of contentment and peace of mind that she had played her one note in tune, on time, and with great gusto.

Sometimes "one-note" people are criticized for being limited or narrow in their perspective by those whose lifestyle requires the wearing of many "hats."  But a job well done by others is valued by God, so it certainly deserves our recognition and respect.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.

Ecclesiastes 9:10