Poem April 16, 1938 ISSUE

His Daily Task

MABEL CONE BUSHNELL

I wondered how he went about his daily work;How did he do his daily tasks, and were they hard?Complain? Of course he never did.One could not comprehend complaint from Jesus—He who served mankind.He must have done his duties well, for in all thingsHe knew perfection. The Scriptures tell us plainlyThat even as a boy he left his playTo speak of heavenly things, and in the templeAmong the learned men of that far time,He taught the doctors of the law and thoseWho thought philosophies and mortal dreamsWere true. He listened to them and then showed themBetter ways—this child of twelve,Who might have been at play all undisturbed.

His daily work was loving God. I see more clearlyNow, how he amazed those doctorsProfoundly taught in worldly lore.His understanding answers astonished all his elders:If he had gone as other lads had done,With thoughts all matter filled, to do hisDaily round, they would have understood him.But no, his mother e'en must wait, and find himIn the temple glorifying God. Her gentle voice,Reproaching, brought only what we know todayAnd strive to follow: "Wist ye not that IMust be about my Father's business?"Intent was he upon that needfulLove for God. His human dutiesQuickly came and went when that was done.

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April 16, 1938
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