True Nobility- Edgar A. Guest

Who does his task from day to day

And meets whatever comes his way,

Believing God has willed it so,

Has found real greatness here below.

Who guards his post, no matter where

Believing God must need him there,

Although but lowly toil it be ,

Has risen to nobility.

For great and low there’s but one test:

“Tis that each man shall do his best.

Who works with all the strength he can

Shall never die in debt to man.

 

I work in a university as an administrator though I am a trained physician. I have my days when I am saddened by thoughts that I should be elsewhere, doing something else. My classmates are all in good positions around the world. I must be the only research administrator doctor. Those are days of my own inner pity party. When my mother was sick and needed me, I went to be with her, even telling my university to terminate me, if required, as I had no leave of any sort. They refused to terminate me. I came back many weeks later and my job was held for me. I am now working at my desk again and earning money. From this poem, which seems to speak to me today, I need to guard this post, God has given me, believing God needs me here, and though lowly it may be, I will rise to nobility should I do my best and work with all my strength and I will die a happy contented soul, not in debt to man but having run the good race with faithfulness, I can meet my creator.