Chotard Doll

Dear Friends,

Today the church remembers George Herbert, poet and priest. (1593-1633).

Well known for his oratory ability, he served for many years as Public Orator at Trinity College, Cambridge, and was appointed to Parliament under James 1. After the death of King James, he renewed his interest in ordination and became a priest in the Church of England.

But he is best known now for his poetry which is often metaphysical in nature, and four of his poems have become hymns in our Episcopal Hymnal.

They range from praise (# 402) “Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!” to a more metaphysical nature, (#487, 382), two thought provoking and challenging hymns, haunting in nature.

But my favorite one for every day consideration is #592 which reads in part:

Teach me, my God and King, in all things, thee to see,
and what I do in anything, to do it as for Thee.

All may of Thee partake; nothing can be so mean
which with this tincture “for thy sake,” will not grow bright and clean.

A servant with this clause makes drudgery divine;
who sweeps a room as for thy laws, makes that and the action fine.

This is the famous stone that turneth all to gold;
for that which God doth touch and own cannot for less be told.

I try to remember that when I find my day “cluttered” with chores which demand my time. Making them prayer offerings, and maybe humming a few notes, does lighten the load!

Faithfully,

—Chotard