Article January 7, 1933 Issue

Right Desires Fulfilled

[Written Especially for Young People]

BEATRICE CLAYTON

Youth as well as age has its trials, many of which relate to the variety and intensity of its desires. Reaching out eagerly for happiness and not fully perceiving in what true happiness consists, nor the illusory nature of material pleasures, one may experience sharp disappointments and the chafing sense of limitation and restraint. This seems to be the case especially in our day, when numerous diversions, a wide choice of pursuits, opportunities for adventure, largely unrestrained liberty of action are offered to youth.

Still, despite all the additional attractions or distractions which former generations never knew, and which seem to be so easily within reach, the ways of wisdom have not changed; and wisdom still whispers that duty comes first, agreeable or otherwise, that many forms of so-called pleasure must be tasted of not at all, and that the attainment of material desire is not the key to true happiness. To the young it seems so hard to wait for the fulfillment of anticipations; and to the undisciplined one whom it confronts, duty sometimes appears to wear a grim aspect.

There may be unwillingness to heed the admonitions of adults because of the belief that they do not understand or that they fail to sympathize with the views of youth; and this may eventuate in a temptation to rebel against authority. This temptation should not deceive those who have had the privilege of instruction in a Christian Science Sunday School, for there they have been taught that true authority inheres not in arbitrary human will but in God, who watches over all His children impartially, and whose will toward them is always joyous and good. Filial obedience is requisite. We read in Luke that in boyhood Jesus was "subject" to Joseph and Mary. Is there an inclination to think loved earthly parents mistaken in their decisions? One and all can obtain divine guidance, knowing that the Father-Mother of all cannot mistake and will inevitably govern for the good of all when there is willingness to wait on Him and to abide by His leading.

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January 7, 1933
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