THE BEST YEAR.
BY ABBIE MILLS.
Say not that the
former years were better than these. There are many who, if asked about the
happiest period of their lives, would turn back to some time in the past.
Some are always
talking of the happy time of childhood. Others think youth with health and a
fill of such pleasures as are sought by a majority of young people, will insure
the happiest portion of the life granted mortals. But there are few witnesses
in any period or station in life that will tell us that now they are happy if
they have not learned that Jesus alone can satisfy.
The more
completely we lose ourselves in Him, the more secure will be our happiness.
Those who are abiding in Him, find each year as it passes better than the preceding
one. Even if sharp trials come, the Father knoweth how to so apply the balm for
sorrow, and heart-wounds, that we love Him more than ever, because the trial has
proved the occasion that has revealed to us more of the character of One in
Whom we trust.
It is sad to
think that there are those who sing of peaceful hours once enjoyed, while “aching
void” expresses the present experience. This could not have been if they had
not vexed and grieved the Holy Spirit sent to guide them in paths of increasing
light and peace. He is indeed the Comforter to those who let Him have His way
in their souls, and all that belongs to them or with which they have to do.
Those who are
full of light, because full of God, are ever pressing forward, were the light
increases, and their joys keep pace with the light while they are willing and
obedient. To such, the present must ever be better than the past, and the
future must be the best of all.
When Jesus saves,
as he longs to do, from all sin, then dread of the future will find no place.
Even in this life, if we can see only poverty and want before us, yet faith
assures us that we belong to One Who can see our needs so much better than we,
and Who has all power to provide.
As to that which
lies beyond time, we know that One Whom we trust and love is our Advocate, and
in His great love for us, is preparing mansions that we may be with Him where
he is. So with joy we see the number of years grow less that keep us from our
Love. Each new one is a happy new year, and the happiest of all will be the one
which bears us to the gates of Paradise; our greatest care being to fill the
passing moments with deeds that will bring glory to Him to Whom time and
eternity belong.
Rockford, Ill.
***
With Thee is the
fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light. – Ps. xxxvi:9.
