A few years ago I came across this book at a resell shop. I really love it. I have never read it cover to cover, but its one of those little gems that I enjoy picking up from time to time and reading. It gives all sorts of homekeeping advice from a 19th century womans perspective. It really is such a fun and interesting book.
The other day I grabbed it off the shelf and turned towards the back of the book. In the authors final remarks she writes these challenging words:
"There is for each of us a place of perfect self-expression. It is a place in life that only we can fill, no one else will do, and we are happiest when we are in the center of it. Many of us have no idea what this perfect self-expression is, or we doubt that we are worthy of such a blessing. I believe that each person has some talent which is unfulfilled or developed, even though many live their entire lives unaware of it. But it is there, for each of us, designed by God to be our life's work. This "life work" will be so completely absorbing and satisfying that it will seem more like play. Your soul will long for it....
We must ask God to manifest His plan for our life. As we consistently ask Him, God will release the genius within each of us. He will guide us to our destiny if we but ask for it and stay ever watchful for new experiences and opportunities. When we realize that there is an invincible power that protects us and all that we love, and brings us to every righteous desire of our hearts, we can relax and all things fall into place.
Dear children: We are not here merely to make a living, or exist for our own amusement. We are here in order to enrich the world and lives of others, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand. And poverty of purpose, is far worse than poverty of purse."