| The Joy of Service |
Chapter 21 |
Page 3 |
The fact is that people do not like to hear such unwholesome complaining unless they are given to the same morbid habit themselves, and can get you to listen sympathetically to their story, which they will probably try to make more touching than yours. There really is no virtue in being miserable; it is far better to be well and strong. Then, even if one has actual infirmities, aches, or disorders of any kind, one has no right to display them before others; one would far better endure the discomfort silently, and be sweet, brave, and cheerful in the presence of one’s friends and neighbours.
It is immeasurably better to talk about the ten thousand comforts, blessings, and pleasures of one’s life, than about the few pains and miseries. It is better for one’s self; for we are building character out of our habits, and we would better build into our life the gold and silver and precious stones of good cheer, than the wood, hay, and stubble of miserable morbidity. It is better, too, for the world; for it has real troubles enough of its own, and needs far more our songs than our sorrows.
Page 3