THE CHRISTMAS REUNION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 838, 5 December 1929, Page 6

THE CHRISTMAS REUNION

Dear Miss Rutledge,— After many years have elapsed our family is to be reunite*! this Christmas. There are seven children, now grown up, including a bnother who is the black sheep of the family. This brother has not bothered about any of us for a long time, but I hear that he is to be in Auckland around the I festive season. I have always held j him iu contempt for the trouble he caused the family earlier, and I think some, of the others almost huite him. Our parents, especially mother, are sad at mention of his name, yet now that we are all to be together, I am wondering whether it would be advisable for him to come home and join in the celebrations. I am sure we might induce him to do so, but does lie deserve such forgiveness? Please help me to do the right thing. HOLLY BUSH. ANSWER I think it a wonderful opportunity and privilege for you and yours to convey something of the true meaning of Christinas in displaying real forgiveness aiul charity of thought toward your brother. Hatred is a most undesirable and expensive guest to entertain, ’ while love, enriching life, makes heaven wherever it abounds. We so easily condemn, perhaps without being just or considering special circumstances, and in the common treadmill of everyday existence, sympathy and understanding are often lamentably lacking. It is very easy to be small-minded and unforgiving, but a large, unselfish character will meet most of the big troubles of this life with patient tolerance, if not a smile. Have a little chat with your brothers and sisters, and influence them to "keep their lamps trimmed and burning" during Christmas and the months to follow. Don’t let them continue in darkness concerning their attitude toward their brother. Who knows but what he has been swept along by the turgid currents of uncertainty and greater temptation, temporarily blinded to the early, kindly outstretched guiding hand.

Only by helping others do wj? progress, and really help ourselves. Therefore, instead of talking forgiveness with reservations of contempt and hate, you must all resolve to give your brother a cheery welcome and stimulate liis better nature. Whatever is the reason for his previous transgression, you will feel happier in a g'enuine display of the Christmas spirit. A few kind words and a smile of mother love might dispel the brooding clouds of wilfulness, and break the chains of perverse thoughts that have alienated feelings of goodwill. Would you prefer to burden your mind and carry on- the old unhappiness, or would you like to offer your brother a membership in the- "Come-back Club." which is everybody’s right, and so help him to realise that vital consciousness i«f responsibility, that should usher in brighter days for all of you—particularly your mother? ANNE RUTLEDGE.