Have you ever heard of the boy who always had a good time? I have, and I will tell you how it came about. This boy had a great friend, a friend wiser and more powerful than any friend you ever saw on this earth, and this friend would never let him be unhappy.
If, for any reason, the boy felt gloomy or cross, just a word with his great friend would drive away the clouds, and set the sun to shining once more. If the boy in his studies got discouraged and confused, his brain all muddled, he had only to ask this great friend, who was always with him, and his brain would become clear, and his heart would become brave, and he would go at his task with such vigor that sooner or later he mastered it.
At this boy’s play his great friend was always at hand, so that, though the boy did not always beat in the games, and though he was not always most successful in the contests, yet he never failed to enjoy himself, and, far better than that, to help others enjoy themselves, because his great friend knew better how to play than any one else in the world.
Once in a while this boy would get into danger, as all boys do, and then this friend of his would throw his arm about him and ward off all peril, so that no harm ever came near him. If the boy, when at work, felt his strength giving out, he had only to look to this kind friend, and at once his arms would become stronger, his feet more swift, and his whole body would gain new vigor.
The boy always had lots of friends, because his one great friend talked to all the people about him, and got them to liking him. More than that, the boy became very rich; and, best of all, his riches were of a kind that banks could not touch or business troubles affect in any way. The boy enjoyed perfect health, too, except in regard to ailments that he inherited from his parents; and even these his great friend helped him to bear well.
Do you remember that I call this boy the boy who always had a good time?
Now this boy, children, may be any one of you; and it makes no difference, for that matter, whether you are a girl or a boy. You may always have a friend who will do for you just what this great friend did for the boy of whom I have been talking; and that great friend is Christ.
We cannot see him with the eyes we have now, or hear him with our present ears, and for that reason we forget most of the time that he is with us, and that he has promised to do all these things for us. He will keep us happy. He will encourage us about our studies, and clear our brains so that we can study without worrying. He will add to our enjoyment in all our play, guard us from dangers, strengthen us for all work, draw about us hosts of friends, make us rich with the riches that last forever, and keep our bodies as well as our souls strong and healthy.
Never forget that all these things are true—true literally—and not just a pleasant story. Some day, when we come to see Christ with our eyes and hear him with our ears and touch his kind hands with ours, we shall feel ashamed of these days on earth when so often we forgot our great Friend.