Brighten the Corner Where You Are

Yesterday I was talking with my mother-in-law about some friends who have planned a mission trip to Thailand.   They planned the same trip last year, but were unable to go at the last minute.  This year, catastrophic flooding is preventing them from going.  It can be so frustrating to feel called to a particular place and purpose, to plan and have success in planning the event, and then find you have seemingly done so much for nothing.  However, God has shown me over and over again that nothing is ever done without purpose!

I often feel a spiritual pull toward various missions.  Most recently my prayers have been for my friends and the children of Guatemala, where I spent a short time three years ago.  I know I could be of service there!  My niece Jennifer feels the same calling to Africa, especially after a short mission trip there this past summer, but has responsibilities to finish here in the states before she can go there full-time.   Here is what I am learning:  God may be calling you, but there is always a preparation to be made, and usually not in the manner you first think.  Hold on to your dreams, but don't hold them so tightly that God can't do anything with them.  He is full of delightful surprises!

The circumstances in my life right now, the responsibilities and ties that seem to be holding me back, are actually the very places God wants me to be faithful in service now.  He is growing me and shaping me, and fitting me for the future - no matter what it holds.  All I need to focus on is Him and obeying Him, and He will take me where He needs me!

I am certainly not the only person who has ever struggled in this area.  I find great encouragement in the following story about Ina Ogden, who wrote the lyrics to the old hymn, "Brighten the Corner Where You Are."

Mrs. Ina Ogdon was selected to be on the Chautauqua Circuit. This would give her the opportunity to reach thousands around the country with her brilliant oratory. Just before she was to leave on the tour, her father was injured seriously in an automobile accident. Ina felt it necessary to cancel her plans so she could take care of her father. At first Mrs. Ogdon felt much anger and resentment against God for allowing this tragedy to happen. Gradually, however, she determined that she would be happy and remain “true to the many duties near” her. She would do her best to “brighten the corner” where God had placed her. Ina completed this poem in 1913. Later it was set to its lilting music by the well-known musician, Charles Gabriel, and it became the popular theme song of the Billy Sunday-Homer Rodeheaver campaigns. Interestingly, Mrs. Ogdon no doubt ministered effectively to more people with these challenging words, born out of despair, than she would have done with her speaking tours on the Chautauqua Circuit.

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Chorus:
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!

http://www.scriptureandmusic.com/Music/MIDI/Brighten_The_Corner_N.mid