Village News

Last week I talked about ‘think about such things’ (Philippians 4:8), that reflection on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely will help us to live the good life, instead of a judgemental life. This week I want to go further by quoting Charles Dickens’ stirring poem entitled “These Things Shall Never Die.”

The pure, the bright, the beautiful,
That stirred our hearts in youth,
The impulses to wordless prayer,
The streams of love and truth;
The longing after something lost,
The spirit’s yearning cry,
The striving after better hopes –
These things can never die.

The timid hand stretched forth to aid
A brother in his need,
A kindly word in grief’s dark hour
That proves a friend indeed;
The plea for mercy softly breathed,
When justice threatens high,
The sorrow of a contrite heart –
These things shall never die.

Let nothing pass, for every hand
Must find some work to do;
Lose not a chance to waken love –
Be firm, and just, and true;
So shall a light that cannot fade
Beam on thee from on high.
And angel voices say to thee –
“These things shall never die.”

Read it again. And this time pick out a phrase that beckons you to go deeper with it. Memorize it. Let it be a guiding mantra for you in the coming week. Let it be one of those true and right ‘think about such things’ thing. Let it help you, help others.

As the executive director at Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV), I have the honour of working for my community, to be part of a faith and active in some things that shall never die. Occasionally, I have the privilege of working with some extra finances that someone has left to MHV with their estate. They want to make sure their history and heritage is known to future generations. MHV is honoured to be part of their generosity and thoughtfulness. Let me know if you ever want to discuss the special possibilities of how your estate planning can help MHV. Large or small, may we all leave a positive legacy for the world to follow.