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The Retirement Years
You are neither of you fitted to engage in missionary work in some
far off field, for you have not the endurance to overcome the difficulties
you would meet in such circumstances. If you cannot find missionary
work to do where you are, you will not be making the right move to go
to a place where you are not known in order to do it. You will spend
all the little money you have, and then not be able to earn more.
I wish to say to you, Be content where you are. Gain the mastery
over your own minds. The uneasiness that you allow yourselves to
have disqualifies you to be a blessing where you are. You have a home
where you are; enjoy your home, and thank the Lord that both your
lives are spared. Be thankful for the health you have. North Carolina
is not so good a place for you as California. You are engaging in
missionary work by doing the home work in a peaceable, contented
spirit, in keeping your clothing neat and presentable, and in cultivating
tidiness, holding yourself in readiness, when opportunity offers, to
speak words of cheer to those who need encouragement and help.
You will certainly be disappointed if you carry out the plans you
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have in mind. You cherish the idea that you are not appreciated where
you are. I ask you to put away this impression. Lay off this supposed
responsibility to do missionary work in another field. You have reason
to be thankful for the health and strength that is given you; but if you
permit yourselves to be unhappy, you disqualify yourselves for the
missionary work that you might do at home. You can be a blessing
to each other and to those about you. Be cheerful and happy right
where you are; cultivate the peace of God in your hearts. Do not be
discouraged, but let your words be such as to inspire hope and good
cheer, and your influence be of a character to uplift. May the Lord
bless you and guide you, is my prayer.
Your age is sufficient reason why you should be contented where
you are. Let the young men and women fill the hard places: it is your
privilege to make your life as easy and comfortable as possible, while
you prepare to move to a better country, even a heavenly. If the Lord
sees that it is best that you work in the cause, He will open ways for
you in California. Wait until the Lord makes your way clear. He would
not have you left dependent on strangers in a far country. Be contented
to sustain yourselves where you are, doing what you can for the cause
of God. Help where you can with the word of your testimony, but do