Who is lovely? It is the girl who drops sweet words and gives pleasant smiles as she passes along; who has something kind to say to every one she meets in trouble, and a helping hand to every child she finds in difficulty. She never scolds, never contends, never teases her mother, but always tries to make her happy. Would it not please you to pick up strings of pearls, drops of gold, diamonds and precious stones as you pass along the street; But these are the precious stones that can never be lost. Give a friendly hand to the friendless; smile on the sad and dejected; speak kindly to those who are in trouble; try always to spread around you joy and sunshine, and you will drop better than pearls and precious stones wherever you go, and many shall be glad in finding them.
– Juvenile Instructor, 15 January 1867
All together now: “Scatter sunshine, all along the way…”
The post reminded me of that song, too!
“… Cheer and bless and brighten every passing day!”
Good grief. Based on these requirements, I would have been excommunicated before the age of 8. 🙂 I’d be interested to hear the “word to little boys” by comparison.
There *is* a sort of companion piece for little boys, Utah Wife — I’ll post it soon and you can decide whether your husband should have been excommunicated by age 8 right long with you! 🙂