Wise Living

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This resource relating to Ephesians 5:15-20 provides poems by Lydia Howard Sigourney (1791-1865) and Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) that encourage us to wisely make the most of our lives on earth.
Paid Resource: 
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Lectionary: 
Revised Common Lectionary
Source: 
Englewood Review
Related to Children or Youth: 
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*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20 CLASSIC POEM: True Wisdom Lydia Howard Sigourney Why break the limits of permitted thought To revel in Elysium? thou who bear’st Still the stern yoke of this unresting life, Its toils, its hazards, and its fears of change? Why hang thy frostwork wreath on Fancy’s brow, When Labour warns thee to thy daily task, And Faith doth bid thee gird thyself to run A faithful journey to the gate of Heaven? Up, ’tis no dreaming-time! awake! awake! For He who sits on the High Judge’s seat Doth in his record note each wasted hour, Each idle word. Take heed thy shrinking soul Find not their weight too heavy when it stands At that dread bar from whence is no appeal. For while we trifle the light sand steals on, Leaving the hour-glass empty. So thy life Glideth away. Stamp wisdom on its hours. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Wisdom Dorothy Parker SNIPPET: This I say, and this I know: Love has seen the last of me. Love’s a trodden lane to woe, Love’s a path to misery. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]
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Primary Author
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Lydia Sigourney
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Primary Author
Author: 
Dorothy Parker
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Key Scriptures: 
Ephesians 5:15-20
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RCL Lectionary Week: 
Year B Proper 15 (Ordinary Time 20)