HERALD Official Organ Of The Sla vonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas. Founded 1897. BENEVOLENCE
VOLUME 53 -- NO. 35
HUMANITY Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 with Undeliverable Copies to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, TEMPLE, TEXAS
SEPTEMBER 1, 19l5
HE EDITOR'S PESO THE MAGIC "PAT ON THE BACK" One of the nobler aspects of human nature is that we find pleasure in being of help to others. There are exceptions, elf course. Some are too selfcentered to see the needs of others. But most of us do experience a brief inner glow when we know that some word or act of ours has eased another's burden. • • Many, if not most, young men who study medicine are motivated by the challenge of easing the sufferings of their fellowmen. In nursing and teaching, where material rewards are meager, only the pleasure of helping others can account for the recruits who flock to these callings. Peace Corpsmen and lay missionaries are other examples of this almost universal urge to lighten our brother's load. • • Most of us, by reason of circumstances, must be content with less noticeable acts of mercy — small deeds of neighborliness scattered through our days. Of this we can be certain: a person who rarely does anything to bring joy or, relief to another is an unhappy person. He cuts himself off from one of life's greatest satisfactions. This being so, it is surprising that so
DON'T GIVE UP! Twixt failure and success the point's so fine Men sometimes know not when they touch the line, Just when the pearl was waiting one more plunge, How many a struggler has thrown in the sponge! Then take this honey from the bitterest cup: "There is no failure save in giving up!" He has a right to criticize who has a heart to help. —A. Lincoln many of us neglect a remarkably simple tool for brightening lives — the word of praise. It costs nothing, but most of us are stingier with our commendations than with our money. To appreciate the happiness potential of praise, we have only to recall how quickly our own morale rises with a pat on the back. "That was a good job you did." "That was a smart idea you had." "You handled that situation beautifully." "You have such excellent taste." How our spirits do soar on the wings of a sincere compliment! • • Why are we so miserly with our words of praise? Sometimes the reason may be envy or jealousy — basically
pride. It hurts us to admit that anyone can do, say or think something bet ter than ourselves. More commonly howevei, it is a matter of thoughtlessness. It just doesn't occur to us to speak the laudatory ward when the opportunity presents itself. If we wish to make a. habit of spreading happiness through praise, we have to learn to watch for opportunities. We may be surprised to discnver how often other persons do commendable deeds or exhibit laudable traits. We never nerd fear that the recipient of our praise will become conceited or that our praise will spoil a child. There is hardly one of us who does not suffer from some degree of inner insecurity and self-doubt. Without danger of becoming conceited or spoiled, we can absorb far more praise than most of us ever get. The majority of people carry a daily load of care and anxiety. When we reflect how much support and encouragement can be imparted by a bit of recognition or approval, it seems a shame that we are not more liberal with our approbation. It is especially lamentable since, by our silence, we rob ourselves of the pleasure that comes from giving pleasure. In line with the very purpose of fra-
CZECH-AMERICAN FESTIVAL AT THE STATE FAIR --- DALLAS, OCT. 10th