Article August 1, 1931 Issue

The Window-Washer

OSCAR GRAHAM PEEKE

He was at work on the top story of a downtown office building. Softly he hummed a tune which was quite in keeping with the happy expression on his face, while he vigorously pursued his task of washing windows. Asked a question, he replied with civility and animation. That something unusual must have happened to cause this individual to be so happy to-day, was the thought of a new tenant in the building. As the days went by, however, it was discovered that the happy smile was habitual, and that courtesy was the order of the day each and every day with this window-washer. Not only did he express joy while about his prosaic task, but whenever the opportunity occurred he helped lighten the cares of his fellow workers, perhaps by a kindly word, or by a helping hand in some department outside of his regular work. Particularly, he seemed to take especial pride in doing a good job with the windows; and always he appeared to be happy.

Why cannot I be happy? is the doleful question often voiced, even by individuals who from the viewpoint of the world's thinking have every reason to be happy. Why not, indeed? "God is no respecter of persons;" and all true happiness comes from God.

Christian Science elucidates all that the Bible teaches about God and man: that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent divine Love, that He is All-in-all, and that this divine Being confers upon man, His image and likeness, all of His divine qualities, included in which are harmony, health, happiness, love. When the significance of this is grasped, joy is recognized as being the normal and natural status of man, and gratitude wells up in the human consciousness thus enlightened. Also, in the ratio that in his daily living one is manifesting selflessness, that sublime characteristic so inseparable from the Godlike man, one realizes happiness as a priceless possession, which cannot be taken from him; for selflessness is the open door to the kingdom of heaven on earth.

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