You have had a warning . Remember it , and try with heart and soul to master this quick temper , before it brings you greater sorrow and regret than you have known today . '' `` I will try , Mother , I truly will . But you must help me , remind me , and keep me from flying out . I used to see Father sometimes put his finger on his lips , and look at you with a very kind but sober face , and you always folded your lips tight and went away . Was he reminding you then ? '' asked Jo softly . `` Yes . I asked him to help me so , and he never forgot it , but saved me from many a sharp word by that little gesture and kind look . '' Jo saw that her mother 's eyes filled and her lips trembled as she spoke , and fearing that she had said too much , she whispered anxiously , `` Was it wrong to watch you and to speak of it ? I did n't mean to be rude , but it 's so comfortable to say all I think to you , and feel so safe and happy here . '' `` My Jo , you may say anything to your mother , for it is my greatest happiness and pride to feel that my girls confide in me and know how much I love them . '' `` I thought I 'd grieved you . '' `` No , dear , but speaking of Father reminded me how much I miss him , how much I owe him , and how faithfully I should watch and work to keep his little daughters safe and good for him . '' `` Yet you told him to go , Mother , and did n't cry when he went , and never complain now , or seem as if you needed any help , '' said Jo , wondering . `` I gave my best to the country I love , and kept my tears till he was gone . Why should I complain , when we both have merely done our duty and will surely be the happier for it in the end ? If I do n't seem to need help , it is because I have a better friend , even than Father , to comfort and sustain me . My child , the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many , but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one . The more you love and trust Him , the nearer you will feel to Him , and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom .
His love and care never tire or change , can never be taken from you , but may become the source of lifelong peace , XXXXX , and strength .
Heavenly anything finger friend happiness power pride soul strength temper