d
impatiently disposes of the problems that confront him also impairs
his chances for making the best of life.

Have you ever experienced the sorry realization of how one petulant or
peevish member of a household can destroy the happiness of a breakfast
or dinner hour? What would otherwise have been a pleasant coming
together of kindly congenial spirits is made painful and unprofitable
because some one lacked the patience and forbearance to withstand and
to surmount some little trial or irritation that should have been
promptly dismissed from the mind and the heart, or better still, which
never should have been permitted to enter. As has been truly observed,
membership in the family involves the recognition that the normal life
of the individual is to be found only in a perfect union with other
members; in regard for their rights; in deference to their wishes; and
in devotion to that common interest in which each member shares. Each
member must live for the sake of the whole family. "Children owe to
their parents obedience, and such service as they are able to render,"
says Dr. DeWitt Hyde. "Parents, on the other hand, owe to children
support, training, and an education sufficient to give them a fair
start in life. Brothers and sisters owe to each other mutual
helpfulness and protection."

The patient disposition to do the best one can, this day, this hour,
this very moment, counts for much in the building of a life. How
perfectly is its whole purpose set forth in Channing's "Symphony," in
which he so beautifully makes known his heart's desire: "To live
content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and
refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and
wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act
frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open
heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry
never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow
up through the common. This is to be my symphony."

It is this rare sense of poise, this patient regard for our own
happiness and that of others, that enables some sweet spirits to come
as a balm for all the bruises that a busy world can put upon us.
"There is no joy but calm." Until one has learned to do his work
pleasantly and agreeably he has not mastered the most important part
of his lesson. "Blessed is the man who finds joy in his work." He will
succeed where