WAIT and HOPE – A brief Tale, free online.

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(This may be just as relevant today as in 1919 when it was published in a newspaper.)

  This is a world full of trouble, full of disappointment, as we all know; but there is, after all, no folly so great as that of ceasing to invite the smiles of Hope, not only because her smiles are so sweet, but also because, while we live, there must always be some good, as well as some sorrow, awaiting us.

  We can no more stand still in life than we can turn back.  When we have no desire to go on, Invisible forces are at work to compel us to do so. There are things we must do; people we must meet; events that will accrue to us.  We cannot believe that the deeds will all be such as we must regret, to events, all sorrowful ones, the new acquaintance all enemies.

  And since we may do good, and have good done to us, since true hearts may meet ours, though we today do not so much as know that they beat, what may we not hope?

  Your home may be cold and dark, but it is not because the sun does not shine.  It only needs a hand to open the door, and put aside the curtain, to let in warmth and light.

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