Overwork

The strength of the mother should be tenderly cherished. Instead of spending her precious strength in exhausting labor, her care and burdensMHH 211.6

should be lessened. Often the husband and father is unacquainted with the physical laws that the well-being of his family requires him to understand. Absorbed in the struggle for a livelihood, or bent on acquiring wealth, he allows burdens to rest upon the wife and mother that overtax her strength at the most critical period. Feebleness and disease may result.MHH 212.1

Many a husband and father might learn a helpful lesson from the carefulness of a faithful shepherd. Jacob, when urged to undertake a rapid and difficult journey, answered: “‘The children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. ... I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure.’” Genesis 33:13, 14.MHH 212.2

In life’s toilsome way let the husband and father “lead on slowly,” as the companion of his journey is able to endure. Amidst the world’s eager rush for wealth and power, let him learn to slow down, to comfort and support the one who is called to walk by his side.MHH 212.3