What the Spirit of Sunshine Means

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 17, 1907

What the Spirit of Sunshine Means

“How’s business, Eben?”

The old man was washing at the sink after his day’s work.

“Fine, Marthy, fine.”

“Does the store look just the same? How I’d like to be there again with the sun shining in so bright! How does it look, Eben?”

“The store’s never been the same since you left it, Marthy.” A faint flush came into Martha’s cheeks. Is a wife ever too old to be moved by her husband’s praise?

For years Eben and Martha had kept a tiny notion store, but one day Martha fell sick and was taken to the hospital. That was months ago. She was out now, but she would never be strong again—never more be partner in the happy little store.

“I can’t help hankering for a sight of the store,” thought Martha one afternoon. “If I take it real careful, I think I can get down there. ’Tisn’t so far.”

It took a long time for her to drag herself down-town, but at last she stood at the head of the little street where the store was. Suddenly she stopped. Not far from her on the pavement stood Eben. A tray hung from his neck. On this tray were arranged a few cards of collar buttons, some papers of pins, and several bundles of shoe-laces. In a trembling voice he called his wares.

Martha leaned for support against the wall of a building near by. She looked over the way at the little store. Its windows were filled with fruit. Then she understood. The store had gone to pay her hospital expenses. She turned and

hurried away as fast as her weak limbs would carry her.

“It will hurt him so to have me find it out!” she thought, and the tears trickled down her face.

“He’s kept it a secret from me, and now I’ll keep it a secret from him. He sha’n’t ever know that I know.”

That night when Eben came in, chilled and weary, Martha asked cheerily the old question: “How’s business, Eben?”

“Better’n ever, Marthy,” was the cheery answer, and Martha prayed God might bless him for his sunshiny spirit and love of her.—Selected.