MAKING THEMSELVES FRIENDLESS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 20, 16 October 1937, Page 14

MAKING THEMSELVES FRIENDLESS

Whenever I read or hear of some one who is said not "to have a friend in the world,*' I wonder how he or she came to be in that sad position. Is it always "the world's fault?" Are thfi men and women who populate our towns and villages for the most part selfish, entirely. uneoncerned and utterly callous as to the welfare of their fellow creatures? I think not. Experienee shows that when the apparently uneoncerned really get to know about instances of hardship, of suffering, or of loneliness, they hurry to the reseue and show great kindness and sympathy. Some people refuse sympathy, repel every advanee, and then grumble loudiy that they are left severely alone. If we want friends, the Bible says, we must show ourselves friendly. We ought to ponder over this injunction, especially if we are. "Shut-Ins" and rely on the services and goodwill of friends. "Some people," says Dr. Miller, "talk about the colduess of the world. They find no love anywhere, no gratitude, no appreeiation, no sympathy, no tenderness. Others, living in like circumstances and conditions, find only beauty, gladness and tenderness whereyer they may go. It is impossible to disagree with these statements, and it would be well for us all to examine ourselves if we are inclined to blame others, aud see if we are not complaining about a state of affaiii for which yro aloue are xesponsible. Here is a little prayer we can all pray with beuefit: Let me be kiud, That some sad heart may br A little comforted By knowing me, Let me be gay, That I may bring.a smale To make some oue feel glad For just a while. Let me be sweet, That power I may possess To heal some wounded soul [With tenderness. ^ — Floreuce Raper. We shall not be searching for friends if this prayer is fulfilled in our lives,