Sons and Daughters of God: In Cheerfulness, May 22

 Christ Our Perfect Pattern in Daily Living

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer. Acts 27:22. SD 149.1

Jesus lived in a peasant's home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household.... Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The Desire of Ages, 72, 73.

Do not frown and fret when any task is required of you, but cheerfully carry the little burdens.... They are nothing but plain, homely, every-day duties, and may appear to you very small and insignificant, but some one must do them. If you go about them with quick step, and a heart glad because you do something to lighten the cares of your parents, you will be a blessing in the home. You do not know how much good you can do by always wearing a cheerful, sunny face, and watching for opportunities to help.... Day by day you are building for eternity. Fashion your characters after the divine model. Weave into them all the kindness, thoughtful obedience, pains-taking, and love that you can.... Cultivate quick sympathy; always have a cheerful, happy face, and be ready to lend a helping hand to those who need your aid.... He [God] will make an accurate entry of every deed done to His glory.... And in the great day of final accounts you will receive a glorious reward. The Youth's Instructor, September 24, 1884.