"This is the happiest day of m whole life." Surprised to find that this statement was being addressed to her, a businesswoman who was hurrying along a crowded city street, on her way home after a very full day at the office, turned and looked down into the radiant face of a child of about eight years. The girl was hugging a few small parcels and trying to keep pace. Slowing up, the woman smilingly asked the reason for this happiest day. Needing no urging, the girl exclaimed, "I've bought my mother some presents." She then proceeded to name several articles that she had purchased. adding, almost as though she could scarcely believe it true, "And I have six cents left!"
The woman's thought that the child was planning to spend the remainder of the money on herself and that this was the reason for her great joy was quickly dispelled, for the almost dancing child continued, "So, I'm going to get my mother some stamps." And with a wave of her hand she bade good-by and quickly disappeared into the crowd. But behind her she had left a message of selfless love. On page 57 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy says: "Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it." In the simple but heart-warming experience with the little stranger the woman had had proof of these truths, for a sense of fatigue had suddenly disappeared before the manifestation of happiness.
He whose selfless life has been unexcelled knew well the unity of love and joy, and his words and works, as recorded in the Bible, give evidence of this fact. On one occasion, in what must have been a tender and inspiring meeting with his disciples, Christ Jesus said (John 15: 10. 11): "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you. and that your joy might be full." Our Way-shower knew well the fullness of joy that would be his followers' in every age if they would heed his commands to love God with all the heart and soul and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself; to seek first the kingdom of God; to be perfect, even as the Father is perfect; and to follow him, that is, emulate the Christ-example.
