Photo: D. Paul Graham, ‘3am Fog’, Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Savannah, circa 2021

“Monday 5 Things”™…..Chuck’isms…..

The current state of life for Ukrainians has brought many people, your scribe included, to their knees in prayer for a country under siege. I was reminded of a M5T that I wrote six years ago about one of the most prolific preachers that the world has known. Charles Spurgeon is said to have preached 3,500 sermons over 40 years. He was known for speaking clearly (with surprising wit and humor) and for making the bible relevant to everyone’s life. The profundity of his words is a legacy over 130 years later. This morning’s M5T considers some of my favorite Spurgeon quotes.

1. About Productivity.

“The way to do a great deal is to keep on doing a little. The way to do nothing at all is to be continually resolving that you will do everything.” “Learn to say no. It will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.”

2. About History.

“Behold, at this hour our moral history is being preserved for eternity. Processes are at work which will perpetuate our every act and word and though.”

3. About Judgement.

“None are more unjust in their judgments of others than those who have a high opinion of themselves.” “If you are renewed by grace, and were to meet your old self, I am sure you would be very anxious to get out of his company.”

4. About the Bible and Prayer.

“A bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” “Nobody ever outgrows scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” “Pray until you can pray.” “Prayer can never be in excess.” “Sometimes when we do not receive comfort in our prayers, when we are broken and cast down, that is when we are really wrestling and prevailing in prayer.”

5. About Pancakes.

“There is hardship in everything except eating pancakes.”

Here’s to a week of recognizing the significance of history that is unwrapping before our very eyes, of continued prayer for the Ukraine, of reaching for a higher purpose, of seeking deeper thought, and of some pancakes thrown in for good measure.

© 2022 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 10 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T ™.  Each Monday, Paul shares his observations, thoughts and passions on people, life, and culture.

You can find M5T each Monday here on www.southmag.com and by friending D. Paul Graham on Facebook. Paul is a contributing photographer to South Magazine. His photographic work can also be found on Instagram @dpgraham and at www.imageGRAHAM.com . Your feedback is always welcome. Email Paul at dpg@imagegraham.com