The Mennobrarian

Finding glory in the simple

09:13, Monday, November 26, 2007 .. Posted in Just Thinking .. 3 comments .. Link

When we bought our home last Spring, I thought the fields around us could never look prettier than they did then, with all of the greenery and a few wild flowers in bloom. Then, Summer arrived and the corn stalks grew tall, and I thought, "No, this is the prettiest it could ever look." And then on Thanksgiving morning I was standing out back looking at the eastern section of the field, and once again couldn't believe how pretty all the Autumn colors are, especially the gold. Will I ever be able to choose?

I recently learned of an interesting project that took place in the 1950's called "This, I Believe." Prominent people were asked to write a brief essay on their beliefs, which was then read aloud, broadcast, and ultimately bound into a book along with other essays. The project was so popular, educators used it as a writing assignment in their classes and contests were held for best essay. But what I found particularly interesting was that people wanted to hear essays from average, every day people like themselves, not the famous people who were being sought out. The format was changed, and regular "unknowns" were searched out to write essays on their beliefs. One woman, a homemaker from North Carolina, wrote a lovely ode entitled Doing the Simple Tasks. She wrote: Distant tasks may seem more glamorous and more alluring, but our only chance I think, of bringing in the Kingdom of God, is to work at the thing at hand.

This, I believe.
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Yes!

01:07, Wednesday, November 28, 2007 .. Posted by rellamom
I enjoyed your post (and the link you shared)!

And, I too, believe!

Carrie

Untitled Comment

12:19, Friday, November 30, 2007 .. Posted by anoldfashionedgirl
I love that quote! I so agree with what she is saying. If we could just see that every little task that is before us is what God is calling us to do, what a happier life we would lead.

Awesome

10:17, Tuesday, December 4, 2007 .. Posted by DakotaSoaplady
I had not idea that "This I believe" was something from way back in the 1950's. Around here we listen to Prairie Public Radio and they have the segment called "This I Believe" as well and people get on and talk about what their beliefs are as well. It is one of my highlights. Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog.

Blessings,
Lydia
(a fellow Mennonite)

Thanks, Lydia. I had no idea the "This I Believe" project was ongoing, and here, you had no idea how old it was. Good ideas never go away, I guess.

Edited by Mennobrarian on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 08:54