Skimmed Courtesy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 21, 1912

“If you are going to give a pan of milk, don’t skim it first,” our dear old grandmother used to say; meaning, if you are going to do a favor, don’t spoil it by an ungracious word or manner.

Have you never noticed how much of this “skimming” goes on in ordinary family intercourse?

“Another errand? I never can go down-town without half a dozen commissions!” complains Bob, when his sister asks him to bring a book from the library. He never refuses to oblige her; he does not really count it an inconvenience; he only takes the cream off his kindness.

“Those gloves ripped again!” exclaims Mary, when John wants her to take a few stitches. “It seems to me they always need mending when I am in a hurry with something else.”

The children follow the fashion. Tommy shuts the door at Bridget’s request, but he grumbles at having to leave his top. Susie goes to the door when she is sent, but she departs with a protest that it is Tommy’s turn. Thus all day long people who love one another skim the sweetness from every service they render.—Selected.