“Some parents are real pessimists.  They look on the dismal side of life and are dubious about the future.  Life is tough, we can all agree, but it has always been so.  If we read about life in any generation we find that they had their worries and concerns.  There have always been bad times, war, corruption, and many problems.

“It is not fair to bring up children with a dismal attitude about life.  There is a bright side, also.  Even in present times there is much to appreciate.  We should call this bright side to the attention of the young.  In many ways life is better now than in the past.  There is a new era of learning emerging.  People are finding out more about themselves and how to live together.  It is an age of greater efficiency.  Architecture is the most beautiful the world has ever known.  Interesting prophecies are being fulfilled.

“Critical problems may lead us to a better life.  *Gasoline shortages may mean less pollution and cleaner skies.  It will force us to find a new source of energy.  High interest rates keep people from going into debt.  We may be forced to pay cash for our houses.  This will force us to find a more effective and economical way of building houses.  Difficult times make people stronger, more resourceful and creative.  They draw closer together.  If times are bad enough people even unite.  We become more humble, draw closer to God and therefore become more prosperous and happy.  As for sin, it will eventually fail and the right prevail.  When corruption reaches a peak there is always a change for the better.” ~ Mrs. Helen Andelin, quoted with permission from pages forty-three and forty-four of her book All About Raising Children.

*When this book was written, gasoline shortages were a problem in America; in today’s America it is gasoline prices that are considered a problem, but the same bright side for gas prices exists as it did when shortages were our big concern.