Chapter 81—Recreation that Yields Enduring
Satisfactions
Exercise That Develops Hand, Mind, and Character—The
greatest benefit is not gained from exercise that is taken as play or
exercise merely. There is some benefit derived from being in the fresh
air and also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the same amount
of energy be given to the performance of helpful duties, and the benefit
will be greater, and a feeling of satisfaction will be realized; for such
exercise carries with it the sense of helpfulness and the approval of
conscience for duty well done
In the children and youth an ambition should be awakened to take
their exercise in doing something that will be beneficial to themselves
and helpful to others. The exercise that develops mind and character,
that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their
share of life’s burdens, is that which gives physical strength and quick-
ens every faculty. And there is a reward in virtuous industry, in the
cultivation of the habit of living to do good
No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a
blessing to the children and youth as that which makes them helpful
to others. Naturally enthusiastic and impressible, the young are quick
to respond to suggestion
Jesus’ Example as a Youth—The life of Jesus was filled with
industry, and He took exercise in performing varied tasks in harmony
with His developing physical strength. In doing the work that was
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marked out for Him, He had no time for indulgence in exciting, useless
amusements. He took no part in that which would poison the moral
and lower the physical tone, but was trained in useful labor and even
for the endurance of hardship
1
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 418
.
2
Ibid., 418, 419
.
3
Education, 212
.
4
The Youth’s Instructor, July 27, 1893
.
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