I recently was reading a biography on Frances Ridley Havergal. She was born in 1836, a poet and hymn writer. Her best known hymn is most likely “Take My Life and Let It Be”.
What struck me tonight was the mentioning of some of her last whispers:
“I did so want to glorify Him in every step of my way.”
As I imagine my last days this side of heaven, I surely desire the culmination of my life to be marked by following Jesus. But there was something about this quote that opened my eyes. Every step.
I can sometimes get caught up in the big things my life is, or will be about.
But the time to glorify Him is not when the ‘big thing’ comes, but in every step.
In every step I take toward a crying child’s room in the middle of the night. In every repetitive step of my daily routine. Even in the painful steps on a misplaced lego. This is where my life is lived.
My steps sometimes seem inconsequential. But they are leading me to Him.
And I suppose the truth is that we truly glorify him in the big things only when we have already been doing that exact thing in the small steps.
Yes Father. Ever. Only. All for Thee.
Lyrics for Take My Life and Let It Be
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
First Melanie, let me say, I am so glad you are back to writing again. Second, I grew up with traditional hymns and always loved the melodies and words. Just like the words of scripture, the words have a deeper, richer meaning as I grow in faith. In the past I would have focused on “take my life” and “take myself”. Today “take my moments” and “take my will” jumped out. I tend to plan my day, week, month, life according to my will. I have my wants, my ideas, my plan to how I think my life should proceed. But this reminder that each step of each and every moment is to glorify Him in doing His will.
Thank you for this blog and the gentle reminder to glorify Him in each and every step.
Thank you Shirley- It is good to be writing. I stay so much more connected to God and what is going on in my heart.
I agree, the hymns have so much richness. I bet you would like the book I’ve been reading: “Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians”. Kind of an odd title- but wonderful stories of Christians over time.
Praying with you to take my moments and my will.
Love to you
Melanie
…but they are leading me to Him……yes they are…
Thank you Sue!
In the depths of childrearing, it is a good reminder that indeed these days, steps have great purpose. Hoping to raise your grandchildren well 🙂
Love
Melanie
blessings love you…