Beth continues to sleep peacefully, although her breaths are slowing. I will take my shift this afternoon. My cousins and I marvel at the overwhelming urgency to be at her bedside and how hard it is to leave physically. Mentally and emotionally, we are there around the clock.
I thought of the quote, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Turns out it is the last line of Milton’s lament at being unable to use his talent for God due to his circumstances. I totally get that. But there is more to it. Doing what you can with what you have where you are, even if it is only to wait, is also a service to God. And to each other.
And it is often the greatest service and sacrifice of all, because it requires us to yield our own will to His. In spite of the circumstances.
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“When I Consider How My Light is Spent”
John Milton
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.”