90
Child Guidance
rate because of inaction, but are to be strengthened and kept in health
by exercise. To have nothing to do is a great misfortune, for idleness
ever has been and ever will be a curse to the human family
Children, never prove unfaithful stewards in the home. Never
shirk your duty. Good hard work makes firm sinews and muscles.
In promoting the prosperity of the home, you will bring the richest
blessing to yourselves
Why Work Before Play?—My mother taught me to work. I used
to ask my mother, “Why must I always do so much work before I
play?” “It is to educate and train your mind for useful labor, and
another thing, to keep you out of mischief; and when you get older,
you will thank me for it.” When one of my little girls [a granddaughter]
said to me, “Why must I knit? Grandmothers knit,” I replied, “Will
you tell me how grandmothers learned to knit?” “Why, they began
when they were little girls.
Value of a Daily Program—As far as possible, it is well to con-
sider what is to be accomplished through the day. Make a memoran-
dum of the different duties that await your attention, and set apart a
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certain time for the doing of each duty. Let everything be done with
thoroughness, neatness, and dispatch. If it falls to your lot to do the
chamber work, then see that the rooms are well aired, and that the bed
clothing is exposed to the sunlight. Give yourself a number of minutes
to do the work, and do not stop to read papers and books that take your
eye, but say to yourself, “No, I have just so many minutes in which to
do my work, and I must accomplish my task in the given time.” ...
Let those who are naturally slow of movement seek to become
active, quick, energetic, remembering the words of the apostle, “Not
slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
If it falls to your lot to prepare the meals, make careful calculations,
and give yourself all the time necessary to prepare the food, and set it
on the table in good order, and on exact time. To have the meal ready
five minutes earlier than the time you have set is more commendable
than to have it five minutes later. But if you are under the control of
slow, dilatory movements, if your habits are of a lazy order, you will
make a long job out of a short one; and it is the duty of those who are
12
Manuscript 60, 1894
.
13
Manuscript 117, 1899
.
14
Manuscript 19, 1887
.