sms n john milton

Last night, as I was turning in tired and weary still after a busy Friday cooking for the care group and the long evening, I received an sms from Jennifer, at 10.45 p.m. It said: "1 who idles fr day 2 day is a consumer of life, 1 who is active n useful is a creator of life. Good nite."

This morning, before we went to church, I sent her this: "John Milton's On His Blindness: ...
'They also serve who only stand and wait.' Be still and know that I am GOD ... Ps 46:10 Good morning and Happy Sunday!

She replied: Tq.

It so happened that I had been reading poetry and had come across this poem by Milton who is best known as the Puritan author of the epic poem Paradise Lost which was, as I learnt to my surprise, apparently written at the time when he had become completely blind.

On His Blindness

When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."