More selections from Leland Foster Wood's
Beatitudes for the Family.
NO FEAR OF THE CREDITORHappy is the family
Whose members spend not beyond their income,
And are not afraid of the sudden terror
That descends on the first of the month.
They shall enjoy what they have the more,
And what they lack will harm them less,
Than if they had it with uneasiness of mind
And fear of the frown of the creditor.
They shall be counted wise in the evil day,
For more joy can be gained from a little
Than from much unnecessary stuff
With unpaid bills behind it.
SEEING THE BEST IN OTHERSHappy is the family
Whose members cultivate the habit
Of seeing the best in others;
Who are patient and not irritable,
Who look beneath the surface,
And give benefit of the doubt
When people might be misunderstood;
Who delight not in picking flaws
In the character of others,
But in helping them to be their best;
Who take no pleasure in telling evil things,
But in forgetting them;
Who magnify all that is excellent
And overcome evil with good.
DOMESTIC HARMONYHappy is the family
That is not given to domestic strife,
Whose members know not how to quarrel,
But are skilled in harmony;
And would be surprised to hear unpleasant tones,
Within the walls of the home;
But in their voices there is the music
Of much affection one for another.
The life of such a family
Is like a melody well played,
And like an orchestra
Whose members keep in tune.
