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Christianity teaches us to regard work as something sacred, honorable, and exalted. Work is your duty. In company of ladies one day the conversation happened to turn upon the ornaments most suited to women—upon gold chains, earrings, brooches, and jewels in general. Each expressed her likes and dislikes. A lady who had hitherto remained silent was appealed to at length and asked to give her opinion as to what ornament best befitted a woman. “A thimble,” was the prompt reply. And she was perfectly right in attributing so much importance to this modest little thing, for the thimble is a symbol of feminine occupation.
You must not only value work very highly, you must also love it.
We are taught by daily experience that industrious, active girls who are fond of work are almost without exception virtuous and pure. Hence it follows that the highest praise which can be bestowed upon a girl is to say of her that she is industrious, never tired of work, but always usefully occupied. Therefore a maiden who desires to please God, and to act in accordance with His will, applies herself to the exact and faithful performance of the duties which befit her age and position in life. The welfare of the household, the happiness of the entire family, is, in the majority of instances, found to depend on the prudence and conscientiousness with which women discharge their domestic duties. Though the father may toil unceasingly from morning to night, his earnings will profit him little if his wife and daughters do not practice economy.
Furthermore, without work order and cleanliness can never be had in the house, and when disorder prevails the state of things is very uncomfortable. It is the duty of the female members of the family to see that everything is clean and well arranged, for upon this the contentment, cheerfulness, and very often the health of all depend.
To go still further, she who accustoms herself from her youth up to tolerate about her person nothing displeasing to those around will be less likely to allow blemishes to disfigure her soul. Therefore no one ought to blame a girl for laying stress upon neatness and cleanliness in the house and also in her dress. Her pleasing exterior should be an image of her soul. It does not come from pride. It costs no money. With care and pains a neat, pleasing appearance can be attained amid the poorest surroundings and in every condition of life. Carelessness, slovenliness, and want of cleanliness are bad traits in a girl.
A girl ought to learn every kind of work which she will be expected to know later in life; she ought to help her mother as much as she possibly can, and when the mother is no longer there to advise and superintend, she ought to try to manage everything in such a manner that she will not be missed. These domestic virtues are highly meritorious in the sight of God.
To do all this is no light matter. It implies that she who would accomplish it must rise early and go late to rest. It leaves no leisure for lounging, for gossip, for bad company, for useless strolling hither and thither. But its advantages cannot too highly prized; it brings with it health, light heart, and ignorance of evil. It wins universal respect, and causes the maiden to be the delight of her parents and the ornament of her home.
Pride yourself therefore on liking work; do it diligently, and make it your best, your inseparable friend. Whatever the nature of your work may be, do it with care and industry. If you have been away at school, take pains when you return home to show that you have learned to love work and to do it well. Attend to domestic affairs and interest yourself in all their details; not by mere words, by finding fault and making critical remarks, but by putting your hand to everything. If it happens to be just what you dislike, do it with particular earnestness. Do not incur the reproach addressed to so many girls when they finally leave school and return home, namely, that they will not work and want to play at being fine ladies. Let your industrious conduct, on the contrary, give pleasure to your parents, relations; and friends; let them see that school has not made you forget how to work, but has taught you to work well.
If your home is in the country and you have to do farm work or daily work think yourself fortunate! Do not imitate so many girls in your class who think the best thing they can do is to exchange their rural occupations for a situation in a town, or a place in a factory. Nothing could be more foolish and short-sighted. Country life and work are by far the healthiest, even if you are not very strong, and in a way most useful and necessary for society at large.
In conclusion, mark one most important particular. If your work is to be really well done, if it is to please God and gain merit for yourself, you must see that you perform it with a good intention. This must never be wanting. Each morning renew your intention, and if your words are few let them be uttered with an earnest purpose. You can at least say: “All for the greater glory of God.” And if in the course of the day you find some occupation very wearisome, and a feeling of impatience begins to stir within your breast, then renew your good intention and say: “O my God. I will do everything for the love of Thee! Help me to be patient and to persevere!”
Yes, to be patient! For without patience no labors, toils, or suffering can be meritorious in the eyes of God. Like coins that are withdrawn from circulation, which no longer form part of the currency of the realm, they have no value for heaven, and will not pass muster there. See therefore that you perform all your work with a good intention and with much patience; thus you will lay up a treasure of genuine coins by which you will gain admission into heaven.
Swiftly time speeds on its way—
See that thou use it well;
Let each hour of every day
A tale of wisdom tell.