A SATISFYING LIFE How to Attain It

Hints for Living a Satisfying Life


 WHEN faced with a problem, where do you seek counsel?  You might turn to a trusted friend or an experience counselor.  Checking for sources of information, such as at a library, may help. Or you might look to  "Grandma's wisdom," as some Orientals call it, to draw on years of experience. Whatever process you prefer, it is good to consider concise words of wisdom that give valuable tips for solving the problem. Here is a sampling of sound advice that you will find  helpful. 

2. Family Life:  Many parents are worried about raising their children in  world filled with unwholesome influences.  Considering the following advice can help: "Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will turn aside from it."  As children grow older, they need "the way," a set of standards to meet.  More and more specialists  have come to realize the importance of providing beneficial rules for children.  Wise parental standards give children a feeling of security.  In addition:  "The rod and the reproof are what give wisdom; but a boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame."  "The rod" refers  to parental authority that must be applied lovingly to prevent children from going astray. Wielding such authority does not involve abusing the child in any way.  The counsel to parents is:  "Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do  not become downhearted."

A fine relationship between a husband and a wife is the basis for a happy family. What is needed for such a relationship?  "Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband."  Love and respect work as lubricants in the family mechanism. To make this counsel work, communication is vital because  "there is a frustrating of plans where there is no confidential talk."  To promote heart-to heart communication, we should seek to gain insight into our mate's feelings, drawing out how he or she really feels. It is wise to keep in mind that "a [person's] mind may lie deep as water  in a well, but a clever man [or, woman] will draw from him." 

Many elderly people feel very lonesome in their later years, being left alone by their offspring, even in countries where filial respect was once the norm. Yet, their offspring do well to consider these wise sayings: "Honor your father and your mother."  "Do not despise your mother just because she has grown old."  "He that is maltreating a father and that chases a mother away is a son acting shamefully  and disgracefully." Elderly parents, on the other hand, need to have a positive outlook and the initiative to seek heartwarming relationships.   "One isolating himself will seek his own selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will beak forth." 

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From The Watchtower magazine