Rest Before Service

Flower, Mount of Beatitudes, Israel, 2011

Rest Before ServiceLast weekend, I participated in a retreat where Dr. David Marshall of Duke Divinity School shared a poem by George Herbert entitled Love (III).One interpretation is that it is a dialogue between God and a Christian soul; a Christian who doubts that he is worthy. I was struck by the second to last stanza. The soul finally understands God’s love, but the first thing he thinks of is “How can I serve?” God’s reply is poignant. We must sit and rest and taste in the goodness of God first.I am often tempted to work harder and faster, trying to earn God’s love. I need a constant reminder that God already loves me. I wish to serve others only so that they can feel God’s love, too.Blessings, my friend,Agatha  Love (III)George Herbert, 1593 – 1633 Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,            Guilty of dust and sin.But