| The Best Things in Life |
Chapter 17 |
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The place to begin practicing this lesson is at home. Some one tells about a bird that had two voices. When it was out among other birds its voice was sweet. It sang only cheerful, happy songs then, without ever a harsh note. The birds all thought it was one of the sweetest singers they had ever heard. But when that same bird went back to its own nest, its voice instantly lost its sweetness and became rough, rasping, croaking, and fretful. Perhaps being out all day, singing sweet songs everywhere, and made the poor bird so tired in the evening when it got home that it cold not be sweet any longer. But really if a little bird cannot be sweet both in its own nest, among its dear ones, and out among neighbours and strangers, would it not better be sweet at home, anyway?
It is said that there are some people who, like this strange bird, have two voices. When they are away from home they are models of amiability. They are so polite and courteous that everybody admires them and loves them. They are most gentle and kind to everyone. They are always doing favours. They will go all lengths to show a kindness. They are always happy, cheerful, patient, and are ever encouragers of others. They are always saying appreciative things. They see the best in their friends and neighbours, and praise it, not seeing faults, certainly never exposing them or reproving them. But it is said that when these people get back home, and are alone with their own families, this sweet, gracious voice at once changes, becomes dull, harsh, severe, sometimes petulant, impatient, even angry.
Is it not too bad?
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