| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 19 |
Page 5 |
If at the end we would have a character of which we shall not be ashamed, we must keep a close watch over every influence which we allow to affect us. The heart builds the character. Our thoughts carve the lines in our soul. If we are weak, cowardly, mean, selfish, sordid, or envious, these blemishes will appear in the final result. But if we are strong, brave, true, just, unselfish, and holy in thought and feeling, these qualities will become part of an enduring and noble personality.
Life’s moods also write their story, both in the character and on the countenance. Worry or discontent makes an unquiet face. Peace in the heart sets its shining beauty on the features. “Human physiognomy,” says Victor Hugo, “is formed by the conscience and by the life, and is the result of a number of mysterious excavations.” This is more true than any of us imagine. We carry the story of all our inner life on our face for all men to read it.
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