LITTLE THINGS BY Charles Robert Morrison

First, let it be noble; for herein has it to do with the development of
character.
Second, that it be congenial. Suit the taste and the inclination in the
choice of a task, and then it will not be abandoned when reverses come,
or become irksome amid the dull routine of dreary detail and necessary
drudgery.
Third, let it be useful. That entitles us to respect from our fellow-men,
and their respect thrills the soul with satisfaction, and a determination
to do well the task undertaken.
"But," you say, "most of us will be called upon to lead very ordinary lives.
The work we can do, or the work we can get to do, may not be very
congenial, or very noble, estimated by the world. How can we be happy
in any uncongenial and very ordinary service?"
Remember! There is nobility in labor of whatever task undertaken, be it
the digging of a ditch, the sweeping of a floor, the sawing of wood, or
the making of a garment; every useful task is noble, and in that task one
may have pleasure if he wills it.
Joy in the doing of little deeds, comes from the conscious satisfaction of
a greater task soon to be completed. The weary steps are soon all
forgotten, in the accomplished fact of a journey ended. Word and then
line, page and then chapter--and soon the book is read, the subject
mastered. Nothing very inspiring about a word or two, a few lines, or a
number of chapters merely; but thus the world's great literature may be
brought up in splendid review.
This hour, and then another, spent in some commonplace, poorly paid
service, viewed alone, may bring discontent and unhappiness--until the
hours have measured off the day, the sum of the day's wages wisely
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