24 Golden Hours
To help us understand the value of a commitment, I would like to share a story I read many years ago which has a powerful lesson for each of us who is desirous in improving our lives.
This is a story about a girl named Charlotte. I do not know the author, nor where I first read this story, so I will share it with you from memory.
Charlotte is unhappy with her life. She cannot afford college and has to work at a menial job in a variety store. Her attitude is rotten and so her days are usually the same. She rarely smiles or makes conversation.
One day she goes to an older, trusted friend in her church and spills out her troubles. “What can I do?” Charlotte wails.
Her advisor asks: “Are you willing to follow my counsel for 24 hours?” “I will do anything to make my life better” wails Charlotte. “Then here is what I would like you to do,” invites her friend. “For the next 24 hours, I would like you to live as though Christ is beside you, starting now. I want you to return tomorrow at this time and give me a report of how your day went.”
Charlotte agrees, but leaves somewhat disillusioned. “How can that help” she wonders?
When Charlotte returns home she sees that nothing is prepared for the evening meal and begins preparing the meal and setting the table. As she does so, she notices that the table looks “awful” – kind of like how she feels. Then it hits her, “Christ Beside Me!” If Christ really were there, wouldn’t she take some extra effort in setting the table and preparing the meal?
Charlotte decides to pull out the linen tablecloth, irons it, and puts out the best dishware. She makes the family’s favorite dish and goes to great length to make a special dessert.
When the family comes to eat, her father comments, “Well, are we expecting company?”
Charlotte replies, “I thought our family was special, so I prepared just for us.”
Her younger brother snickers, which would usually bring a snide remark from Charlotte, but she remembers: “Christ Beside Me!” and holds her tongue. She initiates conversation by asking about each member of the family and about how their day has been.
It goes really well and she silently admits that the meal was pleasant and her efforts were well rewarded. She couldn’t remember when she had enjoyed her family more.
After the meal, her sister says, “It’s your turn to do the dishes!” It really wasn’t, and this usually resulted in an argument, but tonight was different. Charlotte said, “That’s fine, I don’t mind doing the dishes.” Because of her pleasant attitude, she discovers that it really isn’t that bad and hums a little tune that reflects her happiness.
Soon, her sister comes and starts wiping the dishes. She says, “It really is my turn.” They work together this night and really enjoy each other’s company. They haven’t worked together this well for a long time.
Not long after the dishes are done, a telephone calls comes for Charlotte. It is from a friend inviting her to a party. She things, “Would Christ have attended?” He did attend feasts and festivals. “This party will be fine”, Charlotte reasons and graciously accepts the invitation.
While at the party, Charlotte observes some who are rather shy and not joining in the fun and conversation. She makes an effort to include them. Later, during the party, she overhears someone saying, “That Charlotte really is a lot of fun isn’t she.”
This has been a most enjoyable evening. When Charlotte returns home, she feels joy she has never experienced to this degree before. In gratitude she offers a prayer of thanksgiving, contrary to her usual pattern.
Old habits have a tendency to return and the morning finds Charlotte feeling a bit negative and grumpy despite the joyous evening before. She must stop this attitude quickly. Today must be different: “Christ Beside Me,” Charlotte thinks instinctively.
At work she greets her fellow employees with a smile. She treats the customers with patience and kindness instead of being a bit snippy with those who are hard to please. She finds that her new attitude helps her to enjoy her work and the day slips by pleasantly.
Happily, Charlotte returned to her advisor friend’s home. “How did it go, Charlotte” she asks? Charlotte reviews the dinner, washing dishes, the party, and her work experiences with the attitude “Christ Beside Me” and reports: “I am happier than I have been for a long time.” That’s because you have been thinking more about others than you have yourself, her friend responds. “You have found the key to happiness: This is the way our Savior wants us to live.”
Charlotte responded, “Indeed, I have lived “24 Golden Hours!”
(Story shared from memory by Merlin Frei)
Thanks so much for posting this! I remember it from my childhood and was hoping I would find it online.
Glad I could be of service.