The soul-consuming and friction-wearing tendency of this
hurrying, grasping, competing age is the excuse for this booklet. Is
it not an absolute necessity to get rid of all irritants, of everything
which worries and frets, and which brings discord into so many
lives?
Cheerfulness has a wonderful lubricating power. It lengthens
the life of human machinery, as lubricants lengthen the life of inert
machinery. Life's delicate bearings should not be carelessly ground
away for mere lack of oil.
What is needed is a habit of cheerfulness,
to enjoy every day as we go along; not to fret and stew all the
week, and then expect to make up for it Sunday or on some
holiday.
It is not a question of mirth so much as of cheerfulness;
not alone that which accompanies laughter, but serenity,--a calm,
sweet soul-contentment and inward peace. Are there not
multitudes of people who have the "blues," who yet wish well to
their neighbors?
They would say kind words and make the world
happier--but they "haven't the time." To lead them to look on
the sunny side of things, and to take a little time every day to
speak pleasant words, is the message of the hour.
THE AUTHOR
