Unconscious Influences by Annie E. Nordlind

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 25, 1910

Unconscious Influences

By Annie E. Nordlind

MANY times are my thoughts turned to this subject of how mothers are unconsciously weaving threads of happiness or sorrow into the lives of their precious children.

Yesterday it was again brought forcibly to my mind, and I feel compelled to give my thoughts to others.

Two little girls, each carrying a small bucket, came with their mama to my well for water. The sight pleased me, therefore I decided to let them know it. I said, "I see you have some nice little help." The little faces brightened, and smiled into mine, then looked longingly at their mother. But to my disappointment she answered, "They are more in the way than help."

At once a cloud passed over the once happy countenances, and they looked down instead of up. I was sorry I had spoken.

Why can not mothers realize what such expressions mean to the dear ones given them?

As I look back to my childhood days, among the sweetest remembrances I have, are those of my mother. When asked by strangers about her children, she would smile at us, and seem so happy to say that we were hers, instead of being ashamed of her large family. And they all grew up to honor her. My heart aches when I hear such expressions as the following, in the presence of little ones:

"How many children have you?" The answer is given in an unwilling tone.

"O dear, you surely have your hands full. How do you ever get along? Don't they drive you wild?"

Now if the mother had seemed happy over her little band, or if the first speaker had given a cheerful word, as, "You will certainly have plenty of help soon," it would have encouraged all, and especially would there have been a planting, in the little hearts, of seeds of determination to be a help, whereas only seeds of despondency were sown.

For this very reason I have heard little folk wish they had never been born.

While speaking on this subject one day, I heard a young lady remark: "Yes, I know by experience how hard it is on children to hear such things. And it is especially hard when their mother thinks them in the way."

The Bible tells us that children are the heritage of the Lord. Then why not give them the privilege of growing up in an atmosphere of being welcome and wanted?

ANNIE E. NORDLIND.