May 17: Cheerfulness and Contentment.
Content With What the Lord Gives.
" 'And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,' " says the Lord. "But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go."--Jeremiah 45:5, NKJV
THE WIDE, DEEP RIVER, that offers a highway for the traffic and travel of nations, is valued as a world-wide benefit; but what of the little rills that help to form this noble stream? Were it not for them, the river would disappear. Upon them its very existence depends. So men called to lead in some great work are honored as if its success were due to them alone; but that success required the faithful co-operation of humbler workers almost without number--workers of whom the world knows nothing. Tasks uncommended, labor without recognition, is the lot of most of the world's toilers. And in such a lot many are filled with discontent. They feel that life is wasted. But the little rill that makes its noiseless way through grove and meadow, bearing health and fertility and beauty, is as useful in its way as the broad river. And in contributing to the river's life, it helps achieve that which alone it could never have accomplished.
The lesson is one needed by many. Talent is too much idolized, and station too much coveted. There are too many who will do nothing unless they are recognized as leaders; too many who must receive praise, or they have no interest to labor. What we need to learn is faithfulness in making the utmost of the powers and opportunities we have, and contentment in the lot to which Heaven assigns us.--Education, 116, 117.
Content With What the Lord Gives.
" 'And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,' " says the Lord. "But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go."--Jeremiah 45:5, NKJV
THE WIDE, DEEP RIVER, that offers a highway for the traffic and travel of nations, is valued as a world-wide benefit; but what of the little rills that help to form this noble stream? Were it not for them, the river would disappear. Upon them its very existence depends. So men called to lead in some great work are honored as if its success were due to them alone; but that success required the faithful co-operation of humbler workers almost without number--workers of whom the world knows nothing. Tasks uncommended, labor without recognition, is the lot of most of the world's toilers. And in such a lot many are filled with discontent. They feel that life is wasted. But the little rill that makes its noiseless way through grove and meadow, bearing health and fertility and beauty, is as useful in its way as the broad river. And in contributing to the river's life, it helps achieve that which alone it could never have accomplished.
The lesson is one needed by many. Talent is too much idolized, and station too much coveted. There are too many who will do nothing unless they are recognized as leaders; too many who must receive praise, or they have no interest to labor. What we need to learn is faithfulness in making the utmost of the powers and opportunities we have, and contentment in the lot to which Heaven assigns us.--Education, 116, 117.
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