Do you know what it is to be contented? It is just the opposite of being
dissatisfied and unhappy.
Little Harold was looking forward to a day in the glen on the morrow,
but when the morning came it was wet and cold, and the journey had to be
put off. Harold had lots of toys to play with, but he would not touch
any of them; he just stood with his face against the window-pane,
discontented and unhappy.
After a time he saw an old man with a stick coming up the street, and a
little dog was walking beside him. As they drew nearer, Harold saw that
the old man held the dog by a string, and that it was leading him, for
he was blind. The discontented little boy began to wonder what it must
be like to be blind, and he shut his eyes very tight to try it. How
dark it was! he could see nothing. How dreadful to be =always= in
darkness! Then he opened his eyes again, and looked at the old man's
face; it was a peaceful, pleasant face. The old man did not look
discontented and unhappy, and yet it was far worse to be blind than to
be disappointed of a picnic. Harold had yet to learn that it is not
=outside= things that give content, but something within. He could not
help being disappointed at the wet day, but he could have made the best
of it and played with his toys, as indeed he did after seeing the blind
man.
(Blackboard.)
Be Content and make the Best of Things.