Charlevoix county herald., 1919-02-21
Rainbow of
Optimism


The kind Of sunshine that counts
in this world il the kind that breaks
right out while the rain is falling and
the clouds lowering and creates a
shimmering rainbow of color over.
every outlook. Not the kind of sun
shine that beams in the easy. self
satisfied smile of the possessor,
which rings truly enough in his voice
when he says, Cheer up; don't find
the world such a bad place." but
which does not do much to scatter
the gloom from the darkened life of
more unfortunate comrade, who
probably just at that period is finding
the world, If not such a bad place,
at least very sad one, and who is
not in any mood TO profit by another's
active liver, perfect digestion and gen.
orally bright outlook on life.
The man, or woman either, who
makes the old world not only bear
able. but absolutely pleasant, and at
times quite delightful, is the one who
absolutely and completely forgets
self and all selfish interests In the
charitable thought for another's suf-
fering and trouble; who not only re-
Trains from gushing forth untimely
sympathy. but sends right through
the blackness of the gathering clouds
a bright shaft Of sunshine in the
practise of the kind of optimism that
counts. Such a one is not only well
hut apI
name is not legion.
An illustration of practical optim-
ism was actively carried out in the
experience Of friend recently be-
reaved. Two interested and we'll
wishing neighbors called upon her
during the preparations for the fu-
neral. The first fell upon her neck
anG wept copiously-this performance
repeated at intervals during the day.
The second, with one strong, sure
clasp of the hand, one steady look OF
silent but true sympathy, disappeared
from view, to emerge in the midst of
the work to be done. There were
meals to prepare-life had TO be sus-
tanned; rooms to set in order; mourn
ing to be made. Did she think of
home or self? No: zealously, tireless-
ly she labored, coloring everything
she touched with the golden halo of
real, practical sympathy = optimistic
sunshine.
John and the children, to be sure,
were neglected for the time being,
but their lives were tranquil and un-
troubled with grief. They could man.
age for day or two, and manage
they did, knowing full well that the
wife and mother was scattering real
love in her tireless labor for a neigh
Dor; was spinning wonderful colofs
across the darkened horizon. She
knew the secret of loving, helpful
service - the real value of practical
optimistic labor-and she gave il.
On another occasion in the same
community a woman in reduced cir
cumstances was about to be turned
from her home; she had been unfor-
tunate in having much illness among
her children: her husband was Grip
pied and unable to do much to help,
and, burdened beyond endurance, the
prospects were very dark.
Several women from neighboring
church c led. at the house, offered
verbal words of sympathy, even made
contributions toward the rent; one
there was, however, who came in,
talked over the situation in a clear,
practical, bright manner. inspiring
confidence and raising the spirits of
the depressed family by her glad OPP
timistic outlook. With no money of
her own to assist, she flew to
wealthy friend, laid the situation be-
fore her and enlisted her to pay the
rent. She did not cease her efforts
with this, however; for five months
she labored in her. mission of love.
Employment of a light nature was
found for two of the children; sewing
trade was drummed up FOR the mo.
Their. in short, The family were not