The girls in the class nodded their heads and some of
them added, "I don't see how," and "Of course we can't do anything,"
while they waited for Miss Lee to answer Gracie. The teacher had been
talking to them about doing things for others, and had tried to show
them how much help was needed in this world, and how much there was for
all to do. Sunday-school teachers feel this so much, that no wonder they
talk to their classes about it.
"Well," said Miss Lee, as if she were thinking very deeply, indeed,
"perhaps there is really nothing that you can do to help others. Doing,
seems to be a hard word with you little maids. Suppose we drop that word
and take another. A very great man once said that when we could do
nothing, we could still be something, for the sake of other people. I
would like to have you all see what you can be. That comes first,
anyhow. You have to be alive before you can talk, and walk, and think,
and act. You have to be willing before you can do anything, you know,
and so we will see what we can do with ourselves, before we try to do
much for others. Shall we?"
"Yes, but I don't understand just what you mean," said Lucie Ray.
"Then listen," said Miss Lee. "When anyone does anything for you,
suppose you try to be truly thankful. When anyone teases you, see if you
can be patient. If others are cross, see how kind you can be. When
others are sour, you must be sweet. I really think you will have enough
to do."
"We'll try," said Grace.
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