They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait

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."

--John Milton

this poem, called "On his blindness" written when Milton lost his sight and therefore,

felt himself somewhat, if not entirely useless,  reveals the profound

truth that it is not our gifting and how we use them that matters

but that we wait, before and for, God--(even if it makes you

feel like a potted plant.) :)

For some reason it always makes me cry.

You can hear it read, here:

http://www.sonnets.org/milton.htm#002

photo taken in St. Ives, UK