READY-MADE HAPPINESS by Dinah Mulock Craik

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 29, 1895

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 21, No. 34.

READY-MADE HAPPINESS.

By Dinah Mulock Craik

WE spend so much time getting ready to be happy. The picnic to-morrow, the journey next week, the preparation now, the fulfillment of our desire to-morrow, and the frequent disappointment of our expectations, day after day—this is the true history of many days, is it not? Suppose you try for just one day to be happy in the little things that come without anticipation or preparation. Suppose you take note of your mother's smile, and father's “Good-morning,” and baby's eager chuckle as you appear. Suppose you abandon yourself to a frolic without anxious care for the good time to-morrow. Suppose you give yourself up to the sunshine, and the out-of-doors, and the new book, and the helping father and mother for their sake purely. Suppose you talk to your friends about the pleasant things already yours, and let those of the future wait. Oh, you don't think that “take no thought for the morrow” means you? But it does. Heaven leaves a touch of the angel in all little children to reward those about them for their heavy cares.—Dinah Mulock Craik.