p. 106 | HOW YOU TAKE THEM by Arthur's Home Magazine

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 3, 1881

HOW YOU TAKE THEM.

By Arthur's Home Magazine

WHAT people call "worries," are very common. Often they come from mere trifles, but they are not the less "worries" for that. Little things sometimes vex and trouble us more than great things.

"I am so worried with the children," says one who is the mother of a large family; "I cannot get a quiet moment."

"Something happened to worry me this morning, and I have felt upset all day," says another.

"One thing or another is always coming to worry me," complains a third, taking a more general view, and setting himself down as more tried with worries than other people.

But, after all, worries depend very much on how we take them. What puts one person out for a whole day will hardly disturb another for a moment; and a lot in life that seems to one full of trouble and vexation, is found by another peaceful and happy.

"Ah! I know that very well," cries Mrs. Sharp: "but I can't take things so quietly. There is Mrs. Meek, now, next door; come what may, nothing ever seems to put her out: but I'm not one of that sort."

Well, Mrs. Sharp, is not that just what I said? Worries depend very much on the way we take them. You agree with me, you see. Mrs. Meek takes them one way, and you take them another. And you grant they do not trouble her so much as they do you. Is not her way the best?

"Yes, but I can't take things as she does. I'm not one of those quiet folks; and when worries come I must be worried."

Stop! not so fast. I am not so sure there is any must about it. Do you strive against being worried? When things turn out amiss, or the children are troublesome, or any one says something that vexes you, do you try not to be vexed, or worried, or put out? For that is what Mrs. Meek does.

Again, do you watch against worries? You know they are likely to come; do you prepare your mind for them, that you may meet them aright, and get the better of them? I am much mistaken if your neighbor Meek does not do this too.

Once more, do you pray? I know your neighbor does that.

Depend upon it, Mrs. Sharp, it is chiefly trying, and watching, and praying, that makes your neighbor so much less worried by things than you are. Perhaps she may be of a quieter disposition by nature; but she never would have been able to meet the troubles of life as she does without God's help, and that she gets by prayer. She strives, she watches, she prays, and God helps her. That is Mrs. Meek's way. Yet she is only a poor woman like you. And what she does you can do.