HERE is the picture of some little folks who are having a very good time. It seems, from the picture, that they live in the country. What a beautiful place it is! All around are beautiful trees, green grass and blooming flowers. There is probably a house over the hill, where these happy children live.
Big sister is gaily whirling about with her little brother. See how they both seem to enjoy it.! Little ones are always very happy whenever we try to give them pleasure. From the picture we can easily see that this big sister is enjoying the fun as much as the little boy. Probably, she feels well repaid for her kindness. This is usually the case when we try to help others. Do you ever try to amuse your little sisters and brothers? If you have not done so, try it and see how cheery it will make both of you feel.
On the other side, the rest of the children are crowding together around mother. She has a dish heaped high with cherries, and is giving them to each one in turn. How loving mother looks! She seems to enjoy giving the little ones such a luscious treat. In the same way, God delights to shower His beloved children with all of His countless blessings. We can learn a lesson if we look at the children gathered around to receive the cherries. Notice carefully. Each child is standing quietly waiting his turn. There is no pushing or crowding. Indeed we cannot see the least sign of selfishness. Baby, it is true, stretches out his chubby hand, but he is yet too little to be thoughtful. The larger children stand quietly looking on and seem perfectly willing to have the little folks served first. How much prettier is a sight like this than one where each child is striving to be first! In time, each will have his share of the treat, and mother will probably give them more than she would if they were not acting unselfishly about it.
Unselfishness is one of the most beautiful lessons that God would have us learn. The Lord Jesus Christ is given to us for a most glorious pattern. In the Bible we are told,
If we study His blessed life we will see that from beginning to end it was full of words and deeds done for others. How nice it is if we can learn, while we are young to form the habit of being unselfish. In the Bible, Christ tells us “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” When the rich man came to Christ he was told to sell all that he had and give to the poor.
This, he was too selfish to do, so he lost the benefit of being with Jesus.
A very good verse for the little ones to learn and use is this one; “As ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Let us not only learn this but think about and obey it in our daily life.
ML 06/01/1902