PATTIE was hired to shine shoes in a country boarding house. It was a humble sphere, and he only received wages enough to keep himself in clothes, but he was as happy as the day was long; he sang and smiled as he brushed away in the back yard, and as a visitor remarked, “That boy is far happier than if he wore a crown.” But I am not so sure that everyone knew the true secret of Pattie’s contentment and happiness. It certainly was not his wealth, for he had none. It was not his circumstances, for he had long hours and hard work. What then made the poor boy so continuously happy? He has Christ as his Saviour, and heaven as his home.
Yes, Pattie was a Christian; he had been converted, and his life proved that he was a disciple of Christ. Many think that wealth gives happiness, but this is not so. Some of the world’s millionaires are the most miserable people. True joy is found alone in Christ. and it was because Pattie knew Him and belonged to Him, that he was so cheerful and happy.
ML 05/26/1918