| Finding the Way |
Chapter 18 |
Page 5 |
There are many encouragements to a life of thanksgiving. For one thing, it makes life much happier. The person who indulges in fretting and complaining is missing much that is loveliest, both in character and in experience. The tendency of such a life is toward gloom and depression, and these qualities in the heart soon show themselves on the face and in the manner. Light is the emblem of a beautiful life, but ingratitude is darkness rather than light. If we would be happy we must train ourselves to be grateful. Ingratitude makes life dreary for us.
Another reason for cultivating the thanksgiving spirit is because of its influence on others. Nobody loves a sullen person. We are exhorted to think of “whatsoever things are lovely,” and cheerlessness is not lovely. If we would have people like us, if we would attract them to us and have good influence over them, we must cultivate happiness in all our expressions. There are many people who have formed the habit of unhappiness. They may be good and honest, but they have not learned the lesson of gladness. And they are not helpful people. They are not diffusers of joy.
We are as responsible for our faces as we are for our dispositions. If we go about with gloom on our countenances, we will cast shadows over others and make life harder for them. No one can be a real blessing to others until he has mastered his gloom and has attained the thanksgiving face. No one can be of very much help to others if he carries discontent and anxiety on his countenance. We owe it to our friends, therefore, as well as to ourselves, to form the habit of thanksgiving.
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