108
Child Guidance
others feel the sharp sting.... Parents, bring practical godliness into
the home. Angels are not attracted to a home where discord reigns.
Educate your children to speak words that will bring sunshine and
joy
Encourage a Happy Frame of Mind—If there is anyone who
should be continually grateful, it is the Christian. If there is anyone
who enjoys happiness, even in this life, it is the faithful follower of
Jesus Christ. It is the duty of God’s children to be cheerful. They
should encourage a happy frame of mind. God cannot be glorified by
His children living continually under a cloud and casting a shadow
wherever they go. The Christian should cast sunshine instead of a
shadow.... He will bear a cheerful countenance
Children hate the gloom of clouds and sadness. Their hearts re-
spond to brightness, to cheerfulness, to love
Smile, Parents, Smile—Some parents—and some teachers as
well—seem to forget that they themselves were once children. They
are dignified, cold, and unsympathetic.... Their faces habitually wear
a solemn, reproving expression. Childish mirth or waywardness, the
restless activity of the young life, finds no excuse in their eyes. Tri-
fling misdemeanors are treated as grave sins. Such discipline is not
Christlike. Children thus trained fear their parents or teachers, but do
not love them; they do not confide to them their childish experiences.
[148]
Some of the most valuable qualities of mind and heart are chilled to
death, as a tender plant before the wintry blast.
Smile, parents; smile, teachers. If your heart is sad, let not your
face reveal the fact. Let the sunshine from a loving, grateful heart light
up the countenance. Unbend from your iron dignity, adapt yourselves
to the children’s needs, and make them love you. You must win their
affection if you would impress religious truth upon their heart
A Fitting Prayer—Make your work pleasant with songs of praise.
If you would have a clean record in the books of heaven, never fret
or scold. Let your daily prayer be, “Lord, teach me to do my best.
Teach me how to do better work. Give me energy and cheerfulness.”
... Bring Christ into all that you do. Then your lives will be filled with
5
The Review and Herald, December 31, 1901
.
6
The Review and Herald, April 28, 1859
.
7
Counsels on Sabbath School Work, 98
.
8
The Review and Herald, March 21, 1882
.