At Which Window Shall We Sit?
By Julia H. Duffie
I remember of once looking at companion pictures which to me were very impressive. One picture portrayed the front of a fine residence with a young lady seated at the window looking out upon the beautiful scenery. Above the well-kept lawn rose stately trees, with happy birds apparently flitting about or singing among the branches. Near by were attractive flower beds; beyond lay fine meadows and fields, and still farther on the landscape was bordered by rising hills. The lady seemed much pleased with the delightful prospect. The other picture displayed the rear of what might have been the same dwelling, but, O, what a different scene! The yard was lumbered with rubbish, a shabby pen held several large swine, who were reared against the side of the pen, with head and forefeet projecting over the top, while their open mouths indicated that they were making anything but agreeable sounds. At a distance were scraggy trees and a dismal-looking pool of water. At the window on this side of the house also a young lady was seated, absorbed by the view from that point. And what a melancholy, dejected face she wore! And no wonder. Everything at which she looked was well calculated to cause depression. These two pictures were designed to represent two characteristics: One the habit of looking or thinking on pleasant themes, and the other that of pondering only the dark side of matters. There are always two classes of subjects upon which the mind can rest. While it is often necessary to look upon matters just as they are in order to see what steps can be taken to improve them and bring about better conditions, yet the glance upon10the disagreeable side should not be prolonged any longer than is necessary to accomplish these ends or to cultivate proper sympathy by those who may be afflicted by these unfortunate conditions. It is possible to control the mind in this respect largely: while if unrestrained it sometimes loses the power to discern that which is of more cheerful, hopeful nature. We read, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” Yet none can hope to have peace granted him without making an effort to keep the mind stayed on the channels which lead to God. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and should tend to elevate the thoughts, and lead to peaceful contemplation of divine goodness. Thankfulness for temporal and spiritual provision, the privilege of being useful, admiring the works of God in nature, and the better qualities of those about us, are all topics leading upward, or, using the illustration, are front-window views. Those whose hearts are occupied with busy plans for others’ good and happiness, will find food for pleasant, healthful thought. But if we persist in sitting at the back window of our lives, we must expect a different prospect. There we will always find swine anxious to gain our ear for disagreeable matter. After employing every measure for the improvement of back-yard conditions, why not take a position from which the most cheerful view can be obtained, and refuse to be annoyed by the inevitable? Please have a seat at the front window.