Lord, this humble house we'd keep Sweet with play and calm with sleep. Help us so that we may give Beauty to the lives we live. Let Thy love and let Thy grace Shine upon our dwelling place.
Who does his task from day to day and meets whatever comes his way, Believing God has willed it so, has found real greatness here below. Who guards his post, no matter where, believing God must need him there, Although but lowly toil it be, has risen to nobility. For great and low there's just one test, 'tis that each man shall do his best, Who works with all the strength he can, shall never die in debt to man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of fulfilling one's duties with dedication and faith, suggesting that true greatness comes from accepting and performing one's role in life.
In this quote, Edgar Guest conveys the idea that greatness is not defined by one's social status or the nature of their work, but rather by the commitment and effort they put into their daily tasks. He highlights that true nobility is found in those who perform their duties diligently, regardless of how humble they may seem, and that hard work and faith in a higher purpose lead to a fulfilling and honorable life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to inspire employees to take pride in their work.
More from Edgar Guest
All quotes →The timid and fearful first failures dismay, but the stout heart stays trying by night and by day. He values his failures as lessons that teach The one way to get to the goal he would reach.
I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me. I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be; I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day, as you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way.
But keep on working and hoping still. For in spite of the grumblers who stand about, somehow, it seems, all things work out.
At Christmas A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year; He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season's here; Then he's thinking more of others than he's thought the months before, And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for. He is less a selfish creature than at any other time; When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime.
Love has the patience to endure the fault it sees but cannot cure.
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