In Any House 

Said one whose yolk was one of common folk,
Would that I were like Saint Cecilia
And could invent some goodly instrument
Passing all yet contrived 
To worship thee and send a love song singing over land and sea.

But when I seem almost to touch my dream, 
I hear a call persistent though so small 
The which if I ignore, clamors about my door
Bids me run to meet some human need. 

Meanwhile my dream drifts off like down thistle seed
A sound of gentle stillness stirred and said 
My child be comforted, dear is the offering of melody 
But dearer far, loves lowliest ministry

Amy Carmichael (1867 - 1951)

Amy Carmichael was the oldest of seven children born to her Irish parents. Coming from the great emerald Isle, known for its Catholic influence, perhaps played its role in this poem. Though she was not Catholic, doubtless she heard many farfetched stories of saints growing up and here we have the appearance of the alleged martyred “saint” Cecilia. Cecilia was known for singing with great beauty, even though she was being burned alive in her house. The claim is that she did not die and was shortly killed with a sword. This story is doubtless fictitious, and I am sure Amy Carmichael is not referring to it for its factualness Romanist – later referred to as Roman Catholic, Papists, and simply Catholics were responsible for burning alive many thousands of true believing Christians, and thus they can make up a story supporting their own religion by those they have oppressed. There are many honest and reliable accounts of men and women being burned alive for their faith and singing and or praying while the flames consumed them.

Miss Carmichael’s concern with the afore mentioned is to only to share a desire to bring offerings of songs to her Lord; I am certain she gave these offerings many times to God, but she believed there was a more important offering. It was offering the very basic comely tasks of motherhood to the hundreds of human children in her care. We may not have been gifted with a great voice or the ability to play an instrument; these dreams may float away like thistledown floating in the evening breeze. But all can offer to God to do the lowliest ministries.

A woman by the name of Elizabeth Elliot is known for many quotes on the impact of the role of motherhood, being a homemaker and how doing those seemingly simple things so looked down upon by the secular world, we further the cause and gospel of Christ.

It reminds me of a verse:

Matthew 25:40KJV

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

S.T.
Acts 20:24
"None of these things move me..."