Article August 9, 1913 Issue

BEST GIFTS

M. FLORENCE EUSTIS.

"If instead of a gem, or even a flower, one could cast a beautiful thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels must give." These words of George Macdonald were once quoted at a Wednesday evening meeting, and the speaker told of the comfort they had brought her. It was the Christmas season, and owing to a sense of lack, she was unable to give the usual material gifts; but this word had helped her to realize how much more beautiful were the thoughts that she was daily casting into the minds of friends than any material gift could possibly be. I approved of all she said, for it sounded sincere; but at that time my own thought was one of thankfulness that I could give the material gifts.

Several years passed, and the quotation was seemingly forgotten. I was boarding among strangers, in a strange city, and had the financial problem to work out. The head of the house was taken ill. All were fond of her, and took this opportunity to express their affection by sending flowers,—all but myself. I had no money to invest in flowers. My pride was hurt; then, too, I feared the good woman might think I had no appreciation of her past kindness. She grew worse, and the house conversation began to express fear of death. The atmosphere became most oppressive, and I woke up to the truth of being. I had no thought of treating her, but I did desire to keep my own peace of mind, and each morning while dressing I declared for peace, with quiet assurance of life. When at breakfast, the more that others talked of the night of suffering and probable death, the stronger I declared mentally for peace, for life.

This continued for a week; then on a Saturday morning the daughter asked me to go to her mother, who wished to speak to me. My first impulse was to make an excuse, for I was still burdened with the remembrance that I had sent no flowers, and I was ashamed to see her. However, I put this feeling aside and went to her. As I stepped into the room, I saw flowers on every side and exclaimed about their beauty. "Yes," said the invalid, "every one has sent me flowers except you, but you have given me so much more, I want to thank you." I looked at her in amazement and answered, "Why, I haven't given anything." Before I could explain my financial problems she began to tell of her nights of suffering, then added, "But for the past week I have had such beautiful mornings that I have been able to endure the nights. In the early morning hours, when the pain is so hard to bear, my daughter tells me to be patient, for in a short time you will come in to breakfast; and each morning, a few moments after you have taken your seat, a great sense of peace has come to me, and then sleep for hours. Oh, yes, the flowers are beautiful, but your gift is more, much more! Is this your Science?"

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