The Moral of the Story -- Cindy Trane Christeson

“To be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to

work and to play and to look up at the stars; to be satisfied with your

possessions, but not contented with yourself until you have made the best

of them; to covet nothing that is your neighbor -- except his kindness of

heart and gentleness of manner; to think seldom of your enemies, often of

your friends and every day of Christ.”

-- Henry Van Dyke

Sometimes I meet people with such a joy of life that I wonder if it

comes from loving God. I wondered it when I went shopping awhile ago for

a special gift.

Soon after my daughter became engaged, I wanted to give her a tea cup

and saucer, following a lovely old custom dating back to the days when

ladies entertained by giving afternoon teas. I still have a dozen

beautiful different ones that were given to me as engagement presents.

Each is a graceful reminder of dear people, some of whom are no longer

alive.

My mother still enjoys the cups and saucers given to her more than 50

years ago and often uses them for coffee after a dinner party. Not many

people have teas anymore, but this is a nostalgic tradition I would like

to continue.

I looked in a nearby store, unsure of what I wanted, but hoping one

china pattern would call out to me. What actually caught my attention,

however, was the cheerful voice of a woman. She was explaining something

to an apparently unhappy person on the phone, but did so with such

patience and poise that I listened for a while. When she finished, she

asked how she could help me.

“Before I answer, I must say you were great on the phone,” I said.

“Thank you, that was a very angry woman at first, but it wasn’t our

store’s fault that she ordered incorrectly. She seemed to be better by

the end. I may even have a new friend,” she said with a laugh.

“I bet you have many friends with your attitude,” I said.

“Life is too short to have a bad attitude. I think you can make

anything fun, even work,” she said.

We talked while I browsed. I learned that her name was Doris, and she

told me about her family. I also found an elegant white teacup and saucer

with a cobalt blue stripe and gold edging.

“It’s beautiful, she’ll love it,” Doris said. “But if not, she can

give it to me.”

I went back later and watched her friendly interaction with customers.

I went back this week, reminded her of our past interchange, thanked her

for her help and told her my daughter loved the teacup set.

“Tell me why you have such a great attitude?” I asked.

“Why shouldn’t I?” she answered. “Why shouldn’t everybody? We have so

much to be thankful for. I love God, and I love people. Besides, why not

make the best of things and enjoy life?”

Doris is right. To keep my joy in life, I need to stay connected to

God, the ultimate source of love and life. And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

cindy@onthegrow.comf7 or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.