'When you have pain,

When you have pain, or struggle, or a heavy load, or a great anguish

A writer tells of a Christian boy who was always cheerful and brave. He met the ills of life, which too many people regard as tragedies, with courage. Nothing ever daunted him. Where most boys are afraid or break into tears — he was undismayed and untroubled.

But one day something serious happened. He and a playmate climbed a tree. Just when our little boy had reached the top, his foot slipped and he fell to the ground. He lay there, evidently hurt — but uttered no cry. It was the playmate that screamed.

The doctor found the leg badly broken. The boy bore the painful setting patiently without a whimper. The mother slipped out of the room to hide her own tears — she couldn't stand it as well as her boy did. Outside the door she heard a faint sound and hurried back, almost hoping to find him crying.

"My boy!" she said, "do you want something? I thought I heard you call."

"Oh, no, mother," he said, "I didn't call. I just thought I'd try singing a bit." And he went on with the song.

When you have pain, or struggle, or a heavy load, or a great anguish — don't complain, don't cry out, don't sink down in despair, don't be afraid — try singing a bit. Trust God and praise Him.

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