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Mother
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physical or mental strength. By the command of God Himself she is
placed under the most solemn obligation to exercise self-control.
Overwork
The strength of the mother should be tenderly cherished. Instead
of spending her precious strength in exhausting labor, her care and
burdens
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should be lessened. Often the husband and father is unacquainted
with the physical laws that the well-being of his family requires him
to understand. Absorbed in the struggle for a livelihood, or bent on
acquiring wealth, he allows burdens to rest upon the wife and mother
that overtax her strength at the most critical period. Feebleness and
disease may result.
Many a husband and father might learn a helpful lesson from the
carefulness of a faithful shepherd. Jacob, when urged to undertake a
rapid and difficult journey, answered: “‘The children are weak, and
the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men
should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. ... I will lead
on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the
children, are able to endure.’”
Genesis 33:13, 14
.
In life’s toilsome way let the husband and father “lead on slowly,”
as the companion of his journey is able to endure. Amidst the world’s
eager rush for wealth and power, let him learn to slow down, to
comfort and support the one who is called to walk by his side.
Cheerfulness
The mother should cultivate a cheerful, contented, happy dis-
position. Every effort in this direction will be abundantly repaid in
both the physical well-being and the moral character of her children.
A cheerful spirit will promote the happiness of her family and in a
very great degree improve her own health.
Let the husband aid his wife by his sympathy and unfailing
affection. If he wishes to keep her fresh and happy, so that she will be
as sunshine in the home, let him help bear her burdens. His kindness
and loving courtesy will be to her a precious encouragement, and
the happiness he imparts will bring joy and peace to his own heart.